Maja: Choosing Nigeria Over England Was No-Brainer

Bordaux of France forward, Josh Maja says he had no difficulty choosing Nigeria over England for his national team career.

The former Sunderland of England player is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England but the 21-year old honoured Nigeria’s call in September for a friendly game and he said he didn’t think twice before grabbing the opportunity to play for the Super Eagles.

Also Read: Maja Scores In Bordeaux’s French Cup Defeat 

“It was (the Nigeria invite) quite unexpected, but the Nigeria squad is quite young, so for me it was a good chance to show what I can do. Hopefully in the future I get more opportunities,” he said in an interview with Sunderland Echo.

“I think it was always going to be Nigeria,” he continued.

“I mean, it’s the first team – and if it were England then it would probably only be the youth teams. Nigeria was a no-brainer.”

But with Bordeaux and Maja himself having enjoyed a strong start to the season – what is he eyeing in the coming months?

“Individually I want to play as many games as possible at this level and keep improving my game, keep learning and striving to be better as a player.

“As a person it’s about living in a different country and adapting to life.

“As a team, I think we can do whatever we want as long as we work hard and give our all every game.

“This season we can maybe go for a Europa League or Champions League place. If we perform well in games and get good results then I think it’s possible.”

And while Maja’s gaze will be on the Champions League, he will always keep a close eye on his former club and their quest for promotion.

“To see them not get promoted was really upsetting, and I wished them all the best when I left.

“But that’s just football, you have to bounce back the best you can and hopefully they do that this season.”