Former Heerenveen star Kenneth Otigba has committed his international future to Hungary after he was overlooked for selection by the Nigerian Federation and manager Gernot Rohr.
And the Kaduna-born central defender could make his debut for Hungary in exactly two weeks time when their national team face off against Kazakhstan in a friendly at Groupama Aréna (Budapest).
On March 27, on the same date that the Super Eagles will be battling Serbia at the Hive Stadium in London, Otigba will be with the Hungarian national team for a friendly against Scotland.
''I think the biggest surprise in the list is Otigba Kenneth's name. I contacted him and we talked for a long time because I wanted to know if he would like to play in the Hungarian national team with the whole heart to help the national team,'' Hungary manager Georges Leekens told reporters.
''As he replied yes, I invited him to the squad as well because I think he can benefit the team, but I also think of all the other players in the squad.''
Now on the books of famous Hungarian club Ferencváros, Otigba has been capped by Hungary at youth level but had pledged his international future to Nigeria in 2015.
In a 2016 interview with allnigeriasoccer.com, Otigba, a former Hungary U17s skipper, revealed several efforts he had made to feature for Nigeria’s senior national team.
He hinted that he snubbed the chance to play for Hungary at the 2016 UEFA European Championship after he was contacted as he wants to fulfill his dreams of representing the Super Eagles.
“I played many games for Hungary’s youth teams and I have written to the NFF and the Hungarian Federation as well that I want to play for Nigeria if I’m given the chance.
“I have a Nigerian passport, and made every contact and made every step to change my international allegiance to Nigeria.
“I was contacted a few times to play for the Hungary national team after I cancelled the last call up for a game but not officially, but my answer was still the same. My dream is Super Eagles, ” Otigba had said in the interview.
He is now among the 12 defenders named to Hungary's 37-man roster for the friendlies later this month.
