The Danish Football Union (DBU) has vowed not to rush Manchester United’s rising star Chido Obi-Martin into a senior call-up to secure his international allegiance.
The 17-year-old forward, born in Denmark to a Nigerian father, is eligible to represent Denmark, Nigeria, and England, having already featured for all three nations at youth levels.
Obi-Martin, who recently signed his first professional contract with United, has caught attention with his stellar performances, including a 14-minute hat-trick for United’s U18s against Nottingham Forest.
Denmark is eager for him to commit long-term, but Kenneth Heiner-Møller, DBU’s talent manager, emphasized that they will not manipulate senior team selections to block other countries.
“I hope Chido will play for Denmark,” Heiner-Møller told BT “But he will never be selected for the senior team just to bind him to us. We won’t force a player to represent a team they don’t want to commit to long-term.”
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A Different Philosophy
Heiner-Møller acknowledged that other countries may fast-track players in similar situations but said Denmark values a player’s genuine interest in representing the national team.
This stance contrasts with more aggressive approaches seen globally.
International Interest Grows
Obi-Martin’s eligibility for Nigeria and England intensifies the battle for his allegiance. He has already scored five goals in as many games for United’s U18s, underlining his growing reputation.
Should Obi-Martin accept a senior call-up from Denmark, FIFA rules would prevent him from ever representing Nigeria or England, dashing hopes of him playing for the Super Eagles.
