Semi Ajayi has said that he had always wanted to play international football for Nigeria.
The London-born West Bromwich Albion defender, who was also eligible to play for England, qualified to play for the Super Eagles through his parents.
"When I was at Charlton, I had already represented Nigeria at under-20 and under-21 level. I'd always envisioned myself progressing to the first team," the 27-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
"When I got promoted with Rotherham, I was playing week in week out in the Championship.
"That season I got a call from the Nigeria team saying that they had been monitoring my progress and they would like to offer me an invitation to the first team.