Nigeria or Germany: Frankfurt star chooses between Super Eagles and Die Mannschaft – “A dream of mine”

Eintracht Frankfurt’s emerging defensive talent, Nnamdi Collins, has made a pivotal decision about his international future, choosing Germany over Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 20-year-old, born in Germany to Nigerian parents, has revealed that representing Die Mannschaft is his lifelong ambition.

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Earlier reports had suggested that Collins was in the radar of Germany manager ahead of next year and the youngster has confessed he would not say no to the former world champions. 

“It would be a lie if I said otherwise because the dream of playing for the national team really drives me. If one day I had the opportunity to help the national team on the big stage, who wouldn’t be happy? As a child, I always dreamed of it, and it was always one of my goals back then,” Collins told Sky Germany.

Despite his eligibility to play for Nigeria, the defender has steadily climbed the ranks of Germany’s youth setup.

Having featured for the national teams from U15 to U21, he made his U21 debut in November 2024, helping Germany to a 3-0 win over Denmark and a 2-2 draw against France.

Currently thriving at Eintracht Frankfurt, Collins has impressed under head coach Dino Toppmöller.

The versatile centre-back has played 11 matches this season, including five Bundesliga appearances and four in the Europa League, contributing an assist.

His strong form has reportedly caught the attention of Germany’s senior national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann.

While Collins admits the senior national team remains a dream, he is focused on short-term goals.

“It’s not on my Christmas wish list for next year, because I want to win the next few games and be part of the U21 European Championship and play well in the European Championship. Those are my next steps and goals,” he explained.

The 2023 move from Borussia Dortmund to Frankfurt, costing €1 million, has paid off for the defender.

After making his Bundesliga debut in April 2024 against Werder Bremen, Collins has cemented his place in Frankfurt’s first team, earning a contract extension until 2030.

For Nigeria, Collins’ commitment to Germany adds to a growing list of dual-nationality talents who have opted against the Super Eagles, including Kevin Schade for Gemrnay and Ebere Eze for England.

With veteran defenders like William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun nearing the twilight of their careers, Nigeria’s struggles to secure young defensive stars like Collins highlight a pressing challenge for the future.