Ejimadu was given birth to in Minneapolis, Minnesota to a Nigerian father and Brazilian mother
Nigerian born goalkeeper Phillip Ejimadu has been called up to the USA under 20 football team.
Ejimadu was given birth to in Minneapolis, Minnesota to a Nigerian father and Brazilian mother, hence his eligibility to represent Nigeria, Brazil or the USA.
The United States Soccer Federation however have extended an invitation to Ejimadu in a bid to pledge his allegiance to the senior national team of the USA.
Head Coach of the USA under 20 men’s team Tab Ramos, included Ejimadu among the 25 players for their friendly matches in Spain.
Ejimadu who plays for Nacional Atlético Clube will have to compete with Brady Scott of FC Köln and CJ Dos Santos of S.L. Benfica for a starting shirt.
In an interview with nacionalacsp the youngster who has lived in Brazil since the age of seven expressed his delight with being called up by the USA.
He said, ''I thank God for the opportunity I am having to play for my national team.”
The 18-year-old then recounted how the USA Followed up on his progress after a not to impressive outing at the 2018 São Paulo Cup.
He said, ''They saw me play in the 2018 São Paulo Cup . Unfortunately the Naça team did not do well,”
“But I was one of the highlights of the team and the Club ended up receiving a letter from the North American team requesting that I introduce myself in order to play some friendly matches in Spain.”
Like RB Leipzig's Ademola Lookman and other Nigerian boys that have featured for other countries at age grade level, Ejimadu still remains eligible to represent the Super Eagles of Nigeria even though he has been called up by the USA under 20 team.
Phillip Ejimadu and his American under 20 teammates will take on France and Atletico Madrid’s U-21 team on March 21 and March 23 respectively.