Six years after he pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria, former Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom has said he is still waiting to be called up by the Super Eagles.
“I try to give 100%, and I’ve been waiting since 2019; I switched allegiances a long time ago, but if it happens, it happens. and if not, I’d just keep working hard,” he told Omasports TV.
“Of course I’m a Nigerian boy, I would love to play for Nigeria. I just haven’t had the chance to.”
When asked the reason he has not been called up for Nigeria since switching allegiance six years ago, he said:”I don’t have a clue.
“Maybe because there are a lot of good strikers. But for a nation to progress, it needs to be on merit. Players that are performing will need to be selected.”
It’s been a recurring occurrence that players of Nigerian descent born in Britain often grow up to represent the ‘Three Lions’ of England, much to the dismay of majority of Nigerians, who feel they could be good additions to the Super Eagles.
Players like Bukayo Saka of Arsenal,former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, Eberechi Eze, Dominic Solanke, Fikayo Tomori, John Fashanu and Gabby Agbonlahor easily come to mind as players who have chosen their English heritage over the three-time African champions.
However, Chuba Akpom, English born Nigerian striker has explained it is not totally the fault of the players, but the system in Nigeria which does not support calling foreign-based young talents from overseas for age grade tournaments.
“When you grow up in England, you play for England U16s, U17s, U18s, U19s.. all the way up to U21s,” he explained.
“We never have the chance to play for Nigeria at those levels. It’s only when you start to break through in the first team that Nigeria would say; come and play for our nation.
“So, it’s not that the players are switching over because they can’t play for England, it’s just that they haven’t had the opportunity to play for Nigeria from a young age.”
By Aboluwade God’s Treasure AGT
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