Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi has opened up about his much-discussed decision to represent the German national football team over Nigeria and Romania, despite having eligibility to play for all three countries. In a recent interview, the 23-year-old shed light on the personal and emotional factors that influenced his choice — a decision that continues to spark conversation among football fans in Africa and Europe.
Born in Munich to a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother, Adeyemi was eligible to don the colours of either parent’s homeland or the country of his birth. Many football enthusiasts in Nigeria had long hoped the young star would commit to the Super Eagles, following the path of other foreign-born talents who pledged allegiance to the West African nation. However, Adeyemi chose to represent Germany, a move he describes as guided by instinct and professional promise.
“It’s a difficult question. I have to answer this to my father a lot of times,” Adeyemi told Oma Sports when asked why he opted for Germany. “It’s just like this — I had offers from Germany [Football Association], I had a good feeling there. And at the end, I had to play for Germany. This is how easy it is.”
His candid remarks reveal that the decision, while not easy, was based on where he felt the best opportunity lay for his international future. “I had a good feeling,” he emphasized, hinting at the support and vision presented to him by the German Football Association (DFB) — a factor he believes gave him clarity and comfort.
Adeyemi’s football journey is one of steady progression. He began his professional career at FC Liefering, the feeder club for Red Bull Salzburg, where his talent quickly became evident. His explosive pace, technical finesse, and ability to influence matches soon earned him a move to Red Bull Salzburg’s senior team. From there, he caught the attention of top European clubs and eventually signed with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
While playing in the Austrian Bundesliga, Adeyemi made waves not only for his performance in domestic games but also for his standout moments in UEFA competitions. This consistent rise through Europe’s competitive leagues brought him to the forefront of Germany’s national team selectors, culminating in his debut for Die Mannschaft in 2021.
Since his international debut, Adeyemi has made six appearances for the German senior national team, scoring one goal. Though his minutes on the pitch have been limited due to the high competition in the squad, he remains a bright prospect for Germany, particularly as the team rebuilds following recent tournament disappointments.
“I’m proud of where I come from — my Nigerian roots, my Romanian family, and of course, Germany where I was born and raised,” Adeyemi once said in an earlier interview with German media. “But when it comes to football, I had to follow my instincts and go with what felt right for me.”
The debate around dual-nationality players and national team allegiance is not new. Several African countries have, over the years, missed out on talented players raised in Europe who chose to represent their country of birth due to better infrastructure, exposure, and career prospects. Adeyemi’s case reflects this ongoing dynamic — a reality that has spurred calls for better engagement strategies by African football federations.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), for example, has made significant strides in recent years in attracting dual-nationality players. The likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and more recently, Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey, have all committed to Nigeria after spending much of their youth development in Europe. Yet, the competition from European national teams remains stiff, especially when the players involved are at the top tier of European football, like Adeyemi.
Reactions to Adeyemi’s decision have been mixed, particularly among Nigerian fans. Some express disappointment, believing his inclusion in the Super Eagles could have greatly strengthened the national team’s attacking options. Others, however, understand the career implications and support the young star’s right to choose what he believes is best for his future.
“It’s not always about rejecting Nigeria,” one fan commented online. “Sometimes it’s about the pathway that offers the best chance for growth, and Germany is one of the best teams in the world. We should wish him well.”
Adeyemi continues to develop his career in the German Bundesliga, where he has become an integral part of Borussia Dortmund’s attacking force. Known for his blistering pace, close control, and sharp decision-making in the final third, he has become a fan favorite at Signal Iduna Park and is viewed as a player with the potential to be a long-term asset for both club and country.
As Germany prepares for upcoming international fixtures and tournaments, including the UEFA Euro 2024 on home soil, Adeyemi hopes to cement his place in the squad and continue proving his worth. His story is a reminder of the complex identities many modern footballers carry — shaped by multiple cultures, but driven by personal dreams.
For Nigeria, his choice serves as both a disappointment and a lesson. While the Super Eagles may have missed out on one of the most promising forwards of his generation, the incident underscores the importance of proactive scouting, consistent engagement, and development incentives for eligible players abroad.
In the meantime, Adeyemi remains focused on his journey with Germany and Borussia Dortmund, carving out a path that reflects both his heritage and his aspirations.
