From Omobolaji Oyegunle, LONDON Arsenal’s Chuba Akpom has joind the ranks of English-born footballers declaring to play for Nigeria.
The striker , who was in camp and train with the Nigeria squad in Barnet this week, as part of the Nigerian Football Federation’s attempts to recruit the next generation of young players born in England to Nigerian parents.
Due to inability of the country to qualify for the last edition of thev Nations Cup, the NFF is determined to make the most of it’s English-based players ahead of the 2018 World Cup and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. They have recruited Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi’s in 2015 and now believe that they have persuaded Akpom, his best friend and former Arsenal youth team-mate, to play for them too.
Akpom has played for England U-16 to U-21 level, and played for Gareth Southgate’s England U-21 as recently as September last year. But he enjoyed his time with Nigeria this weekend and has committed his future to them. Akpom will likely be in Nigeria’s squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in June. Akpom is on loan from Arsenal to Brighton and Hove Albino answer is set to leave in the summer.
Akpom will join Iwobi’s in a new generation of English-born or English-based Nigerian players. Ola Aina, the Chelsea right back who has played for England U-20 level, was also in training ( Barnet) too this week and is also set to represent his parents’ country from this summer and beyond.
Eberechi Exeter of Queens Elizabeth and Josh Maja of Sunderland were in training too and have made up their mind towards playing for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, former Flying Eagles defender, Shemi Ajayi has urged Nigeria technical crew to extend invitation to him.
Ajayi, who was on loan from Cardiff to Rotherham said he is ready to fight for shirt if invited.
