Nigeria and England will be thrown into the ring for another long but interesting battle over the international future of Viv Efosa Solomon-Otabor following the player’s decision to play for his country of birth, Nigeria.
The London-born Nigerian winger has roots to former Super Eagles player Thompson Oliha, who was his uncle.
Solomon-Otabor, 23, was born in London to parents originally from Edo state, Nigeria. Victor-Banks Otabor, his father, played for Bendel Insurance, NNPC, and Eagle Oil before moving abroad.
Currently, on the books of CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian Professional Football League, the energetic winger has played for Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Oxford City in the past.
In 2018 he was offered a chance to play for the England U-21 team. Aidy Boothroyd called him up for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Andorra and Scotland but declined the opportunity.
He is a right-footed forward who can operate as a central striker or on either of the wide areas. He is adapting well at in the Bulgarian Professional Football League where his explosive pace is a useful weapon.
Viv Solomon-Otabor’s only individual award was when he won the Birmingham City Young Player of the Season in 2016.
His pace and aggression on the flanks adding to his technical ability have won him praises from several coaches who have tutored Solomon-Otabor.
With a good height of 175cm, the young but experienced winger is set to represent his country of birth to fulfil the wish of his parents.
“I don’t take the decision alone. I have discussed with my parents if the Nigeria Football Federation contacts me to play. But for now, I am ready. My parents want me to represent Nigeria and that is what I will do.”
The CSKA Sofia star declared his readiness to defend the colours the three-time Africa champions.
“I want to be a patriotic and a committed footballer who will never turn his back on the nation when given the opportunity to play for the good people of Nigeria. I believe I have what it takes to make the most out of the opportunity when afforded one. I am ever ready to represent my beloved country should I be invited by the technical handlers.”
“I know the competition for places in the squad wouldn’t be easy but I am a fighter who’s always prepared for a battle and I believe I can thrive under the charges of coach Gernot Rohr because he’s a tactical genius who can easily bring the best out of any player,”
“My parents have always helped me to trace my roots and it will be their wish to see me play for Nigeria,” he added.
Viv Efosa Solomon-Otabor’s decision to play for Nigeria will spark another tug of war between the West African nation and the 1966 World Cup winners.
