Francis Onyeka is the latest sensation to catch the attention of football fans across Europe.
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Born and raised in Germany but with Nigerian roots, Onyeka is a young talent quickly making a name for himself at Bayer Leverkusen.
As his star continues to rise, many wonder: will he choose to represent Nigeria or continue his journey with Germany’s youth teams?
Keep reading to find out more about this prodigious talent and why he’s generating so much buzz in the world of football recently.
Francis Onyeka’s rise: A young star in the making
Francis Onyeka was born on April 29, 2007, in Gummersbach, Germany, to Nigerian parents. Although he has donned the German jersey in youth competitions, Onyeka is deeply connected to his Nigerian roots.
At just 17 years old, his name is already being whispered among Europe’s top scouts, and his performances have shown why.
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The young forward has scored five goals in just six matches during the European Championship qualifiers for Germany’s U-17 team.
His impressive form hasn’t been limited to international duties. Onyeka has also managed to shine in the UEFA Youth League, where his dazzling displays earned him a spot on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs.
Francis Onyeka’s club career: from humble beginnings to Bayer Leverkusen
Francis Onyeka’s journey began humbly at SC Borussia Lindenthal-Hohenlind, a small amateur club in Cologne, Germany.
But it wasn’t long before his talents caught the eye of Bayer Leverkusen’s academy, where he joined at just seven years old.
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By the 2021/2022 season, Onyeka had been promoted to Bayer Leverkusen’s U17 squad, where he quickly established himself as a key player.
Now part of the U19 squad, Onyeka continues to dominate, with 27 goals and eight assists in 71 games for Bayer Leverkusen’s youth teams.
His performances have even led to a promotion to the senior team—this shows great potential and promise in him.
Francis Onyeka’s international future: will he choose Nigeria?
Despite his success with Germany’s youth teams, Francis Onyeka’s international future is still up in the air.
Born in Germany but eligible to represent Nigeria, Onyeka could follow in the footsteps of players like Leon Balogun and Kevin Akpoguma, who chose to play for the Super Eagles despite their German roots.
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So far, Onyeka has racked up 22 appearances for Germany at various youth levels, scoring 11 goals.
His remarkable record has earned him a reputation as one of the country’s brightest young prospects.
However, the door remains open for a switch to Nigeria—a decision that could shape the next phase of his career.
Francis Onyeka’s versatility: The key to his recent success
What makes Francis Onyeka stand out is his versatility. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Onyeka has the skill and intelligence to play in various attacking positions.
Wearing the coveted number 10 shirt, his creativity, vision, and ability to score goals make him a valuable asset for Bayer Leverkusen.
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This versatility, combined with his technical ability, has made Francis Onyeka one of the most exciting young players in the game today. It’s no wonder he was named among The Guardian’s 60 most promising footballers under 20.
What’s next for Francis Onyeka?
With Victor Boniface injured, Francis Onyeka has been called up to the Bayer Leverkusen senior team for their UEFA Champions League clash against Stade Brestois 29.
This marks a significant moment in Onyeka’s young career, as he has the chance to step up and make an impression on the biggest stage.
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As Onyeka’s star continues to rise, one question remains: will he choose to represent Nigeria, his country of heritage, or continue his journey with the German national team?
With his current ability, Francis Onyeka is well on his way to becoming one of Europe’s brightest stars, and his decision could have lasting implications for both nations.
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