Nigerian-born Chidimma Ifemma Gonzales, a rock-solid and versatile midfielder, has decided to represent Ecuador professionally in the world of football, sparking outcry among Nigerian fans.
Chidimma, who was born in Ecuador to a Nigerian father and an Ecuadorian mother, made the choice to represent her motherland, Ecuador, as she wasn’t approached by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) for a Super Falcons debut.
This decision has stirred debate and disappointment among Nigerian football enthusiasts, as Chidimma’s skills and versatility in the midfield would have been a valuable addition to the Super Falcons. At present, Toni Payne remains the only lucrative center-midfielder in the Super Falcons team.
Chidimma’s choice to represent Ecuador highlights the importance of timely and strategic approaches by national football associations to identify and recruit talented players, especially in the diaspora, to strengthen their teams and fulfill their potential on the global stage.
