Nigerian-Canadian Striker David Talks About His World Cup Journey

You had a hip injury in February. Did you think you could play in this World Cup?

Honestly, I thought it wasn't possible. When I had to decide on surgery, they warned me that people don’t usually come back quickly. I kind of gave up for a while. Then Jesse (Marsch) called me with a funny tone and said, “We are going to give you as much time as you need. You will be fine.” Hearing that made me think, if he believes in me, I should believe in myself too. So, I worked really hard. Big thanks to my physios at the lab, the Canadian medical team, and my team's medical staff. They helped me get fit enough to be part of the squad.

How did you handle the physical and mental challenges of recovery?

It would have felt like a failure if I didn't make the 26-man squad. I recover like a superhuman, and I took my vitamins as a kid. The pain was a lot, so my brain blocked some of it out. Seriously, I think I could regrow a limb if I lost one. I have a weak immune system, so if I catch a cold, I am really unwell. But if it comes to regrowing, I should be the top pick if we ever want to start a colony on Mars.

What did Coach Marsch’s support mean to you during this time?

It meant so much. I have had coaches who pushed me away when things were good. Now I have one who stood by me when times were tough. Deep down, I knew I could do it. Jesse kept saying that if I was healthy enough to make the team, I would be in, as long as I did everything to be ready. So, I did everything I could.

You have been through a lot, from Canada to Estonia, Croatia, and Belgium. How many times did you hear “no”?

Many times. While I was in Estonia, I wrote “2026” in my locker. I felt inspired seeing our national team at the last World Cup. It was a time when I was ready to quit football. I watched some guys I grew up with represent Canada, and I thought, if they can do it, I can too. I joked about it, someone laughed, and it reminded me of that Michael Jordan meme. It became personal for me. I took it seriously. And thankfully, here we are.

You were born in Canada to Nigerian parents and played for Nigeria at the youth level before switching. How do you feel about that choice?

Canadian football raised me, so I feel I owe it to Canada to perform for them. Playing for Nigeria was great, but it was an opportunity. I like what Jesse is doing with the team. You see the rapid growth. Being part of that history is something I shouldn’t miss.

You also asked Nigerian fans to support Canada during this tournament. Why?

This is the biggest stage of football, and I want my Nigerian fans to support me. Nigeria is not in the tournament, but I appreciate all the support so far.

Which Nigerian player did you admire growing up?

I always looked up to Nwankwo (Kanu). He is one of the greatest Nigerian players ever. My dad talks about him fondly, and I have watched many highlights. Even though I didn’t see him play live, he is a great player, and I learned a lot from him.

You predicted you would score in Vancouver before the tournament. How did that happen?

I have this strange ability to predict my goals. I told CBC’s Chris (Jones) I didn’t know which game, but it would be in Vancouver. I also mentioned I would score against either Qatar or Switzerland. It turned out to be Switzerland, and it was in Vancouver.

Can you describe the goal against Switzerland?

As the play unfolded, I moved to stand offside, giving myself some space because I knew the ball would go wide. Saliba (Nathan) made a great run and had a perfect touch. When I saw him touch the ball, I didn’t need to say much. I saw him look at me, and I had two choices: go near post or stay back. Saliba delivered a fantastic ball through the defense. I am just grateful I have long legs.

What did scoring your first World Cup goal mean to you?

Given what happened a few months ago, scoring was something I didn't think would happen, thanks to the medical team who helped me recover. Scoring here is a big deal for me. It fulfills a dream of scoring in the World Cup, and I take pride in it. But Staq, Stephen (Eustáquio) slapped me and said, “Get back to work.”

Canada finished second in the group. What is the mood going into the knockouts?

We came second. Oh well. In the knockouts, everything gets more serious. We can't rely on the next game. You have 90 minutes to give your all and secure a win. We would have liked to stay in Vancouver for that, but we still have a big chance ahead of us to push in the next match and excite the nation, even if it will be from Los Angeles.