The first choice goalkeeper of top division Sweden side Värnamo Jonathan Rasheed says his focus is on representing the senior national team of Nigeria and not Sweden, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Born in Sweden to parents of Nigerian descent, the shot stopper is eligible for both countries but he hasn’t been capped at any level yet. He has however set a target for himself with the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
31 year old Rasheed is having a tremendous season in Sweden at a time, when the senior national team of Nigeria is in a crisis in the area of goalkeepers with the Africa Cup of Nations set to begin next year.
Rasheed however refused to see himself as the solution to the issues of the team in goal, rather he said he only need a chance to show his worth.
“That’s not for me to say. I would be honoured if I got the possibility to say that I would be a solution that I couldn’t say. But if I got the chance I would do everything in my power to make it as good as possible”, he told Eagles Tracker.
He went further to alienate any fears of his dual nationality hindering him from honoring an instant call up by confirming that he already has a Nigerian passport.
“I have a Nigerian passport so it’s always been a dream of mine to go to the national team. I don’t feel like it’s worth being disappointed about it.
“It’s more like if it comes I will be very happy, if not I will still fight and try to make it.
“For a football player it is the biggest thing that you can do – represent your country. It would be a big, big honour so I don’t think you can describe it until you are there”, he rounded up saying.