Super Eagles right-back says he turned down Benfica because of World Cup

Ebuehi who plays for Dutch side ADO Den Haag, was on the verge of joining Portuguese champions Benfica in the winter transfer window, but the move did not go through.

According to an interview with FCupdate.nl, Ebuehi said he decided to stay with the Eredivisie outfit because of his chances of making the Super Eagles team to the tournament.

Ebuehi explained that he is a regular with ADO Den Haag which could change if he made a switch, and that could affect his chances of going to the World Cup.

He said, ''For me, the most important thing is to keep making minutes. Going to such a club means a new adventure and you do not know whether you're going to make minutes,''

''Here I get trust from the club, the trainer and the players. If I keep playing here, I can hopefully go to the World Cup and nice things can come.''

The 22-year-old is optimistic about making the Eagles team, as he admitted that it will a be dream come true to feature at the World Cup.

He said, ''I do not have to act too fast, otherwise it can also be a disappointment, I feel good about it, and of course I dream about it, it's close and in terms of football, the World Cup is the biggest stage in the world. I can go with it, it's a dream come true, maybe the biggest one.''

ADO Den Haag had earlier stated that they are happy with Ebuehi as he decided to stay, but the young full back stated that he is keeping his options open, as he is set to become a free agent after the World Cup.

He said, “You never know in football. Maybe I’ll be here next season, but in the end I want to keep making personal steps and achieve the highest possible achievements, I keep all options open at the moment.”

Ebuehi is hoping he gets called by for the Super Eagles friendly games against Poland and Serbia in March, he made two appearances for the Super Eagles and is yet to score a goal.