Super Eagles defender Jordan Torunarigha was reportedly left frustrated and bitter after not featuring in Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. According to his father, former Nigerian international Ojokojo Torunarigha, the Gent centre-back was upset at not getting any minutes on the pitch.
“He’s bitter he didn’t play, he’s not happy at all,” Ojokojo said in an interview on Blast FM Ibadan. “But I have tried to encourage him, told him to keep calm. I talk to him, and he listens.”
Jordan, who previously represented Germany up to the Olympic level, switched allegiance to Nigeria after initial outreach by former coach Gernot Rohr and a later call-up under José Peseiro.
His father also admitted that back in 2017, he had advised Jordan to play for Germany due to his birth and upbringing in the country, although the younger Torunarigha has since opted to represent Nigeria.
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Editorial
Jordan Torunarigha’s frustration is both understandable and revealing. For a player who made a significant decision to switch national allegiances choosing Nigeria over Germany being left on the bench for two critical qualifiers sends a disheartening message.
This isn’t just about minutes; it’s about feeling valued. Torunarigha’s pedigree is well-known he’s played top-level European football and represented Germany in international youth tournaments. His commitment to Nigeria should be met with a sense of trust and integration, not hesitation.
Of course, squad rotation and tactical decisions are part of football. But a newly integrated player like Jordan, who made a personal and professional leap to wear the green and white, deserves a proper chance to prove himself. These moments matter they shape a player’s long-term commitment and morale.
The Super Eagles must do more than attract diaspora talent; they must also manage it well. Encouragement from his father is important, but the national team environment must reinforce that same confidence. If not, Nigeria risks discouraging other high-level dual nationals considering a similar switch.
Did You Know?
- Jordan Torunarigha is the son of Ojokojo Torunarigha, who played for the Nigerian national team in the 1990s.
- Jordan made over 70 appearances for Hertha Berlin before moving to Belgian side Gent in 2022.
- He played for Germany at U18, U19, U20, U21, and Olympic levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2023.
- The 26 year old was part of Germany’s squad at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
- Nigeria’s last qualification for the FIFA World Cup came in 2018; they missed out on Qatar 2022 after losing to Ghana in the final playoff.
