Owen Otasowie is an American professional soccer player who was eligible to represent Nigeria before the United States came calling for his senior debut despite playing for Wolverhampton Wanderers U23 set up at that time.
Otasowie After making incredible progress from Wolves youth setup, he was quickly promoted to the club’s professional side, making his full debut for the club during a UEFA Europa League final group stage tie between the English side and Besiktas of Turkey.
Before making that move to Wolves in 2017, Owen Otasowie was a youth team player at West Ham United who signed him from Mass Elite Academy.
For his international allegiance, Nigeria was also a big option, although the West African country did not prioritize the option of handing an international call up, since he was only with the development squad.
He was primally a big target for the future. On the other hand, England was also aware of the potential he would offer if they could persuade him to consider the three lions in the future.
But it was up to the United States to play the game ahead of Nigeria and England as they handed a senior call up during the United States matches against Panama and Wales.
Owen Otasowie: what he would have offered to Nigeria
The young midfielder fits in the description of a wide midfielder in the middle of the park.
With his versatility, he would have been a good option for Nigeria, possibly filling the void left by John Obi Mikel, who was Nigeria’s midfield maestro.
Otasowie is a utility player, he can be played as a midfielder and at the same time a defender with creative abilities.
In his Premier League debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers, he provided a quality assist for Daniel Podence, who made no mistakes to hand Wolves an early lead in the game against Chelsea on the 21st of December 2020.
His assist helped Wolves to secure full points against Chelsea.
How he qualified to be a Nigerian and United States?
The midfielder born in New York City, in the United States is eligible to represent Nigeria through his father.
It would have been the easiest decision to play for Nigeria. But his decision was already made when the United States senior national team came calling, even though it was only a development team player at Wolves.
Another option was England, but he was out of reach.
What next for Owen as he begins his journey in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers
Since making his debut back in December 2020, Otasowie has had some quality minutes to count on this season.
With five appearances this season after 27 matches, the midfielder is with a single assist which helped Wolves defeat Chelsea to claim the much-needed points at home.
With the league almost drawing to a close, there’ll be more opportunities to come for him if he continues with his form until next season.
At least, he could still win the heart of the manager if he continues playing this way.
According to Birmingham Live, Owen Otasowie revealed he had a serious meeting with the club manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
As per the English portal, he was told to calm down even though he has to turn out to be a regular first-team player since making his debut back in December.
The player also revealed that the manager has confidence in him. Meaning, he could be having more minutes with his current form going up until next season.
Wolves are targeting a place in the continent and his contributions would be worthwhile if it continues to come.
A new dawn and new opportunities – Our view
There’s nothing better than the managers confidence in you, exactly what Owen Otasowie is currently enjoying at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
At least the few times he’d played under the coach, he showed how good and trustworthy he could be.
The Premier League is not a development ground for players. But a stage for business ready players willing to make sacrifices for themselves and their club.
He was handed a golden opportunity and he wasted no time to grab it. So long as he is committed, he is expected to get more playing time at the club.
The United States have recently handed a second invitation across to him for their upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for North and Central America.
The versatile midfielder who can also handle defensive duties is expected to spearhead the team to victory during the qualifiers.
At least, the experience gotten from his full senior appearance for Wolverhampton Wanderers is what will stand for him as backup.
In Otasowie is a promising player with quality sparks that can help his team succeed.
The United States will most likely count on him in the midfield throughout thier qualifying series for the World Cup which will take place in Qatar.