Temple Ojinnaka, an Italian-Nigerian footballer and rising star with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ U21 team, has expressed a strong interest in representing the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
In an exclusive interview with Numero-diez.com, the 18-year-old described a potential Super Eagles call-up as a significant honour, while also acknowledging the challenge of choosing between Nigeria and Italy.
“It would be an honour to receive a call-up from the Nigerian national team, but I’m not sure there has been any contact with the federation,” said Ojinnaka. “If I had to choose, it would certainly be a very difficult decision, because I consider myself both Italian and Nigerian.”
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Born in Venice on 30 March 2005 to Nigerian parents, Ojinnaka’s journey to professional football has been remarkable. Raised in Italy, he moved to England at the age of 11, where his footballing talents flourished. Starting with Sunday league side Sedgley White Lions, he worked his way through Wolverhampton District to earn a trial and eventual place in Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy.
Ojinnaka’s versatility on the pitch has become a key strength. While he began his career as a central midfielder, he has transitioned into defensive roles.
“I’m a very versatile player,” he explained. “I can play as a midfielder, as a centre-back and as a right-back. Recently, I’ve played a lot as a full-back and as a centre-back, so I would say I’m more comfortable in those positions now. But in each of them, I can showcase a skill set that I have and show the versatility of my game.”
His technical growth has not gone unnoticed, as he has trained with Wolverhampton’s first team multiple times, reflecting on the experience.
Ojinnaka said: “One of the things the coach liked was for defenders to be able to draw the opposition’s pressing and, once they did, play around that pressing to find the midfielders and attacking midfielders. When defenders can do that, it offers more time and space for their teammates to create play.”
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While Ojinnaka dreams of playing in the Premier League, he also harbours ambitions of representing Italy, a nation he calls home.
“It would be a dream to be called up for the Italian national team; it would certainly be very significant for me,” he noted. However, his connection to Nigeria remains deep, both personally and professionally.
Ojinnaka’s passion for football was nurtured by his older brother and inspired by legends like Paul Pogba, whom he tried to emulate as a young player.
“I loved watching him,” he said. “I remember my father had a PC for work, and my brother and I would watch highlights of players like Messi, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Pogba. He was one of those I always looked up to and tried to imitate on the pitch.”
His long-term goals also extend beyond football. “One of my dreams is to help people in need in any way I can. Maybe by opening a school in Nigeria, a hospital, or providing basic necessities like food and water. It’s definitely something I’d like to do outside of football,” Ojinnaka revealed.
As the the Super Eagles coaches continue to scout for talented players abroad, engaging Ojinnaka could strengthen the Super Eagles’ defensive ranks. For now, he remains focused on breaking into Wolverhampton’s first team while keeping his international options open.
