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Dutch-born winger Dillon Ifunanya Hoogewerf says the door remains open for him to represent Nigeria internationally, Footynaija reports.
The former Manchester United prospect reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted what could have been his first opportunity to play for Nigeria.
The 23-year-old attacker, who came through elite European academies and once represented the Netherlands at youth level, explained that circumstances beyond football halted early discussions about switching allegiance. Now rebuilding his career momentum, he believes the timing may finally be right to pursue a long-standing ambition of wearing Nigeria’s colours.
#MUAcademy U18s: FT — #MUFC 1 Leeds 0.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 5, 2020
Dillon Hoogewerf’s superb second-half header is the difference as Neil Ryan’s side reach the #FAYouthCup quarter-finals. Get in! 💪 pic.twitter.com/dKbeV020GR
“It’s my mother’s country. I’ve been there a few times and have said I want to help people there,” Hoogewerf told Voetbal International.
Born in Almere to a Dutch father and Nigerian mother, Hoogewerf featured regularly for the Netherlands’ U15, U16 and U17 sides before his international progress stalled after 2019. Despite that involvement, he remains eligible for Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles.
His football education included spells at AFC Ajax and Manchester United, where he became the first academy signing during Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s managerial era. Known for his pace and direct attacking style, he quickly gained attention after prolific youth-team performances, including a hat-trick shortly after signing his first professional deal in 2020.
“When I was sixteen, I had the chance to play for Nigeria. Then COVID hit, and I was playing for the Dutch youth teams,” he said.
The pandemic effectively froze international opportunities for many dual-national players, and Hoogewerf’s case was no exception. His development later continued in Germany with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s reserve side before a fresh chapter began following a move to SBV Vitesse in 2024.
DAAR IS ‘IE WEER! DILLON HOOGEWERF! 0-1! 🫵 pic.twitter.com/LVQaybC4KW
— Vitesse (@MijnVitesse) October 31, 2025
Improved form this season, including nine goals, has reignited interest in his international future. Hoogewerf hinted that conversations linked to Nigeria have already resumed.
“This season, we reconnected. To play for Nigeria, I have to play at a higher level,” he added.
Nigeria’s recruitment of dual-national players across Europe has intensified in recent years, as the Super Eagles seek greater depth and attacking competition. Hoogewerf’s profile fits a growing trend: technically trained in Europe but emotionally tied to African roots.
For the winger, the motivation goes beyond football recognition.
“That culture suits me better. There’s a better chance of being remembered in African countries. There are so many good footballers.”
If his current progress continues, a delayed international dream paused by a global pandemic may yet find its long-awaited restart, this time in green and white.
