West Brom striker highlights growth in US, exciting squad, and family discussions as key factors.

Daryl Dike USA Nigeria choice

Why Dike Chose the Stars and Stripes

West Bromwich Albion forward Daryl Dike has opened up on his decision to represent the United States instead of Nigeria, despite strong family connections to the Super Eagles.

The 25-year-old, whose brother and sister Courtney played for Nigeria, initially assumed he would follow suit.

“When I was younger, that was the thing – you’re going to be part of the Super Eagles. My brother is trying to get me to play with Nigeria. When I was younger, to be honest, I fully thought ‘I’m playing for Nigeria’,” Dike told Beast Mode On.

However, after breaking through in MLS without academy experience, the USMNT called first.

“I remember talking with my brother, with my family, and they were like ‘You know if you play with the USA, you’re not going to be able to play with Nigeria’. I was like ‘Yeah, I still want to do it’. At the end of the day, it’s your decision.”

Dike emphasized his deep roots in the USA, where he grew up his entire life, while acknowledging his Nigerian heritage.

“Nigeria has tons of phenomenal strikers, who knows if I would even have been called by Nigeria. Even then, I’m looking at the USA and thinking ‘they have got an exciting squad here’ – Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Serginio Dest… I’m like ‘I can be part of this’.”

The striker has earned 10 caps and scored 3 goals for the US, cementing his choice.

A thoughtful decision blending heritage, opportunity, and personal path for the powerful forward.