Ameobi Scouts Onugkha in Denmark as Striker Eyes Eagles Future

Former Super Eagles striker Shola Ameobi was spotted at the Vejle Stadion on Sunday, representing Newcastle United on scouting duties during a Danish Superliga clash between Vejle Boldklub and Aalborg BK. Ameobi, currently the Premier League club’s Loan Coordinator, was in Denmark to monitor Norwegian midfielder Travis Hernes, who is on loan at Aalborg from Newcastle.

However, another standout name under the watchful eyes of several clubs, including German outfits Hamburger SV and Hannover 96, was in-form Russian-born Nigerian striker German Onugkha. The 28 year old, who featured in the starting lineup for Vejle, has emerged as one of the league’s most prolific forwards this season.

Onugkha entered the match with an impressive run of form, having scored in six consecutive Superliga matches racking up eight goals, including two braces against Brøndby and Aarhus GF. Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, he previously turned down an invitation from Russia and in September 2024 expressed his desire to play for Nigeria.

He hopes to follow in the footsteps of players like Brian Idowu and Peter Odemwingie dual nationals who ultimately chose to represent the Super Eagles on the global stage, including at the FIFA World Cup.

Editorial

German Onugkha’s emergence isn’t just a personal triumph it’s a symbolic reminder of the global footprint of Nigerian talent. The striker’s choice to shun a Russian national team call up in favour of potentially representing Nigeria is a gesture of both heritage and belief.

We are living in an era where dual-nationality footballers must often make difficult decisions. For Onugkha, the pull of identity, legacy, and emotional resonance seems to have outweighed the allure of Russia’s footballing infrastructure. His recent scoring spree should give Nigeria’s football federation every reason to act quickly.

It’s also encouraging to see someone like Shola Ameobi, a former Super Eagle himself, actively involved in talent scouting for Newcastle. His presence in Denmark not only highlights English clubs’ interest in overlooked leagues but also presents a subtle opportunity perhaps a conversation or connection to encourage Onugkha’s path to Nigeria.

The Super Eagles need depth in attack. While Nigeria boasts a strong pool of strikers, form and fitness remain volatile variables. A player like Onugkha, in the shape of his life, brings not just goals but also a different footballing background one that could enrich the squad’s tactical diversity.

Let’s hope the Nigerian Football Federation doesn’t miss this open window of opportunity.

Did You Know?

1. German Onugkha began his professional career in Russia with FC Krasnodar before loan spells across several clubs including Rubin Kazan.
2. His father is Nigerian, and his mother is Russian making him eligible for both national teams.
3. Peter Odemwingie and Brian Idowu both played at World Cups for Nigeria despite being eligible for Russia through birth or heritage.
4. Vejle Boldklub, Onugkha’s current club, has a history of developing strikers who later move to top European leagues.
5. Shola Ameobi scored two goals for Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after switching from England, where he played at youth level.