Nigerian decathlete Jami Oluwarotimi Schlueter has revealed that his decision to represent Nigeria was driven by identity, purpose and the desire to make history rather than personal convenience.
The multi-event athlete, who is of German, Nigerian and British heritage, said he has never regretted switching his international allegiance after obtaining his Nigerian passport in 2025, insisting that wearing the green and white is both an honour and a responsibility.
Schlueter, who previously represented England at junior level, is among the athletes expected to strengthen Team Nigeria’s athletics squad as the country continues to attract talented competitors from the diaspora.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the decathlete dismissed the notion that athletes should treat international representation as a career transaction.
“Representing Nigeria is a privilege. It’s a decision I’ve never regretted because it aligns with who I am and what I want to achieve in my career,” Schlueter said.
The versatile athlete explained that although he had opportunities to continue representing England, he was inspired by the chance to contribute to the growth of Nigerian athletics and help inspire the next generation.
“I didn’t want to see international sport as something transactional. I wanted to be part of something bigger and help make history for Nigeria,” he added.
Schlueter’s decision comes at a time when Nigeria has increasingly benefited from elite athletes with dual nationality choosing to compete for the country. Their arrival has strengthened the nation’s competitiveness across several disciplines, particularly in athletics, where the National Sports Commission has intensified efforts to attract diaspora talent.
Competing in the decathlon, one of athletics’ most demanding events requiring excellence across ten disciplines, Schlueter believes his journey can encourage more athletes with Nigerian roots to embrace the opportunity to represent the country.
The Commonwealth Games will provide another major platform for the rising star to showcase his talent against some of the world’s best all-round athletes while making his mark in Nigerian colours.
For Schlueter, however, success extends beyond medals.
He says he wants to be remembered as part of a generation committed to driving Nigerian athletics to greater heights and proving that choosing Nigeria is about pride, identity and long-term ambition.
As Team Nigeria prepares for another major international competition, Schlueter’s story reflects a growing trend of diaspora athletes returning to compete for the country—not because they had to, but because they genuinely wanted to help shape its sporting future.
