Toronto FC forward Ayo Akinola has snubbed Nigeria to commit his international future to Canada.
Akinola was eligible to play for the Super Eagles through his father’s origin and the USA, which was his place of birth.
The Nigeria Football Federation had approached the player a few years ago, but Akinola was invited to the United States national team last year in a 6-0 thrashing of El Salvador in December 2020.
The 21-year-old’s change of nationality was approved on Wednesday and he is set to play for Canada at the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup later this month.
“I’m really excited to represent Canada at the international level,” Akinola told the Canadian FA website.
“It’s a very exciting time for the country with all the quality that’s on the roster.
“Canada has been my home for almost all my life and I’m excited to give back. I’m ready to give my best for Canada soccer’s men’s national team in these crucial months coming up.”
Akinola previously played for the United States youth teams before his only outing with their senior national team last December.
However, he is set for a quick reunion with his former country as Canada and the USMNT are placed in Group B in this year’s Concacaf Gold Cup.
The two countries will battle each other at Children’s Mercy Park on July 18.
Coach of the Canadian national team John Herdman is thrilled with Akinola’s decision, who is Toronto’s second-highest goalscorer this season.. He is also expected to boost their attacking options as they target qualification for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
“It’s great news, we’ve been working for the last 18 months to bring Ayo home to play for Canada,” Herdman said.
