Chuba Akpom says he has now pledged his international allegiance to the country of his parents Nigeria.
Akpom, 23, who plays in Greece for PAOK is eligible to play for the Super Eagles as he holds dual-nationality and has not represented England at senior level.
The forward once trained with the Nigeria senior side at Barnet alongside then Chelsea defender Ola Aina and now hopes to line up with his life-long friend Alex Iwobi for the West African country.
“I’ve only just recently switched my allegiance, so I’ve signed the documents and hopefully in the next few weeks it will be approved to enable me play for Nigeria,” Akpom told BBC Sport.
“I’ve been wanting to do that for many years now but not many people know this. It’s just been a matter of sorting it out, which is now in a process. I’m looking forward to it.
“It was a personal decision. I’m Nigerian and my whole family feel very Nigerian and it will be nice to represent Nigeria.
“It will also be nice to link up with Alex [Iwobi] again and play for the national team. We started playing when we was younger together and to make that step to play for the national team together will be amazing.”
London-born Akpom scored 18 goals in 41 youth caps for England from under-16 to under-21 level.
He joined Arsenal at the age of six and spent time on loan with Brentford, Coventry, Nottingham Forest, Hull and Brighton, but failed to break into the Gunners’ first team.
A final loan spell at Belgian side Sint-Truiden resulted in six goals in 16 games and after six different clubs over five seasons.
The academy graduate managed just 12 appearances for his boyhood club before heading out to Greece on a permanent deal in August 2018.
He provided six goals and four assists as PAOK went unbeaten to seal the 2018/19 Greek title as well as the only goal in the FA Cup win against AEK Athens to complete a dream double.
Following Iwobi
Now established in Greece and with three goals in eight matches this season, Akpom would love to follow in the footsteps of Iwobi.
“I wasn’t surprised because at the time he wasn’t playing for England, he came out of nowhere and he started playing for Arsenal and from there he just progressed, so I wasn’t surprised when he picked to play for Nigeria,” said Akpom.
“It was the better decision to make, now he’s played in the World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. I’ve always said that I’d like to play with him again for Nigeria, we’ve always spoke about that.
“We’ve played together since we was five and six years old, we grew up together. It took me a while to settle down and to get used to the environment in Greece.
“Going to play abroad and in another league has helped me, but I hope to take my career to the next level with Nigeria.”
Nigeria have previously succeeded in convincing former England-born players like Sone Aluko and Ola Aina to represent the West African nation.
They have also persuaded London-born duo of Josh Maja and Joe Aribo, who plays for Scottish giants Rangers. The latter scored on his debut against Ukraine this month.
His teammate and Liverpool’s loanee Sheyi Ojo also told the BBC that he would love to represent Nigeria if they approach him.
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COMMENTS
Good for u. But there was a time you were doing shakara n your dad even said,
“Alex’s decision may not sway Chuba, as in football every player finds his path eventually, you can’t say what applies to one will apply to the other.”
I could see a bit of Alex’s influence here.
And for those saying Rohr and NFF don’t know what they are doing. Well you can see how far they’ve gone in ensuring this boy plays for Nigeria, paper work and all that. And no one hears it in the press. I’m sure, underground moves are ongoing to bring Seyi Ojo into the fold too.
Super Eagles will be great again.
Yeah, man, PapaFem, we can see how far Rohr has gone, but he is not sharp, daring or tehnical enough as a coach when it comes to using the right players at the right time. For instance, during the last World cup, he kept saying his players were still very young and that he was preparing the squad for the next World cup in 4 years´ time – As if other countries with equally young players like England and Belgium would fold their hands for Nigeria to ride over them. A trainer like Westerhof would never say such a thing but would rather try to use those young players to go for a kill and make history. Futhermore, in the propossed friendly match against Brazil next Month, your ´able coach´ whom you said knows what he is doing had, for some reasons best known to him, decided not to feature Joe Eribo, the new sensation who single-handedly destroyed Ukraine in Eagles´ last friendly match, until something clicked or flipped in his brain like somebody who takes cannabis and he finally suddenly decided to include Joe – Eagle´s ´new weapon of destruction´. I think Rohr is NOT very technical and does not fully know how to mix and use these superb materials he´s got. A more brilliant trainer will do better job. Anyway, let´s hope for the best…
A more brilliant trainer will do a better job abi? But you did not mention the more brilliant trainer. For your mind now you analyst. Are you the one who invited Aribo for the last friendly?? Some fans can be so funny where is the brilliant coach when we didn’t qualify for two consecutive AFCON?? Or when we were ranked 64th in the world??
Lolz. My friend Ayphillydegreat, please calm yourself down. Please do.
Emma Ehi have spoken well and I have been saying that for a long time but 99% of you people were calling me names.
These 99% said my own too much but we Patriotic Nigerians knows the truth and we are telling the nation the truth before it’s too late.
We can’t waste another 4 years of next level on coach Rohr.
Last week, Deo and co said their own against me but my maturity has spoken for me.
In section, 20,40 and 419 of omo9ja constitution said, if you can’t beat them, you join them because we want the best for our Country. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!
LEEEMAOO!! Your 419 constitution said you should join them because you’re a confused thing. I’m sure you’re already appreciating the teams progress that’s why you want to join us. Ire o.
Ah ah ah, you can see now that I’m still laughing at you AY.
What else can I do to satisfied you Africans?
Join your team kę? Ah, mba o. Don’t you know that I do really loved my Country ni?
If I Joined your team I won’t be able to talk anyone because good or bad, I will be saying yes sir, yes sir for your team.
Thank you for the offer though, I’m staying in my lane because saying the truth is my daily bread lol.
Don’t forget that the judgment day of coach Rohr and his team is near. On the 13th of October is the day lol. That match is very crucial for us.
Our lovely coach, Oga Rohr said we should put our mind at rest because he is going to field his best team against Brazil.
Should I believe in his words? Well I don’t know o.
But kudos to Oga Rohr. He have been trying his best but he just need someone to help him in terms of tactics, subs and no late substitutions.
You see now that I can’t do without saying the truth?
I think we should wait until that day because I don’t believe in talking but in ction. God bless Nigeria!!!
A friendly match is very crucial to omo k’omo…..LMAO.
If we win that match we have won the world cup….LMAO
That’s why I said you’re confused. When was the last time Uche Agbo and Alampasu made a SuperEagles list?? I don’t think either of those two has made any of Rohr’s list since 2017 and you’re are here still complaining about them not being in the team.
Alampasu hasn’t played a first team football since God knows when. Agbo hasn’t played more than two games since moving to Portugal this season. I don’t think he has ever been stable at any club since I’ve known him as a professional football. Onyekuru is currently warming the bench at Monaco and I hope he proves himself or else he should just forget about his future with the SuperEagles.
How did Kalu and Aribo walk straight into SuperEagles first 11 and Onyekuru couldn’t??? Thank God you’re never anywhere near the SuperEagles decision makers. So you can continue crying even if we lose to Brazil it doesn’t stop Rohr from continuing with his job no matter the magnitude of the defeat.
However, I trust my SuperEagles to put up a spirited performance even in defeat. Because I know for sure that we’re not in the same level as Brazil, but I leave you to continue living in your fantasy land thinking we should defeat Brazil and if we don’t the coach is not good enough LEEEMAOO!!!!
Na your own I dey tell you, Omo9ja.
I am also a critic of Coach Rohr however, unlike you, I criticise from a place of love and in total appreciation of what he has done for the development of our football thus far.
You need to get a fresh perspective, a fresh new outlook.
You keep doing the same thing the same way with more and more fans seeing the errors of your perspective.
Na your own I dey tell you o!
One love.
Thank you for your words of advice my lovely friend Deo.
I do not hate Oga Rohr. In fact I loved him more than anyone on this forum.
But he can’t keep doing the same thing over and over again. He always using wrong tactics. To be honest, I appreciate his efforts.
More so, he always invited Agbo but he never used him.
How about Alanpasun? But he prepares Akpeyi to him and you said I should fold my arm doing nothing?
Onyekuru is another player.
Why is that if you are not a German or play in the Country, it’s going to be hard to play for Nigeria?
However, my dear friend Deo, I’m seeing new you and I’m happy about that. Just keep it up, God bless you more. One love.
But again lol, you can’t roped me in Oga Deo lolz. If coach Rohr do not changed his attitude most especially against Brazil ah, you will heard me talking again because it’s not about me but it is all about our beloved Country Nigeria. God bless us all. God Nigeria!!!
Pls remind us again…In which club is your “Alampasun” playing sef…??? And how many matches has he played in the last 2 years…???
In as much as I’m Tempted to reply your post @ Emma Ehi_ I wish to refract as to bring us d last update of our Naija boys holding it down to night for their various clubs;
In the French league Lille’s Osimhen just grabbed a Goal and an assist in the 2-0 home win against Strasbourg`
While Europe’s top dribbler Kalu Ojim Samuel also scored the last in the 73rd min to give his team a 3-1 away victory over amiens`
In the Laliga this evening we are seeing some good signs with Omeruo and Awaziem pairing for 90mins for Leganes playing a one all draw against second place Athletic bilbao.
When the Eagles are already flying into the Future’ some persons still talking about “Last Year” world cup`
Chai Na waoo!!!!
***Latest update***
It’s a good one, having more options is good for any team for it helps to bring out the best in them.
I know when people complain about Rohr’s substitute they forgot that the first 11 have more quality than the bench, so Rohr find it difficult removing a player he trust and replacing him with less quality bench. If Rohr is that clueless why is it that kalu works in straight to our first eleven when players like onyekuru,ogu , mikel agu and co couldn’t, recently Aribo works in straight to our first eleven with esiti on the bench, that shows that the coach can recognise talents when he sees them.
My submission is that Rohr may not be a world class coach but he is not bad either!!!
Former England youth international Chuba Akpom isn’t the only player who has agreed to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria after appearing for another country at youth level, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Akpom confirmed in an interview that he has signed the document which will enable him represent Nigeria at senior level after playing for England at various youth levels.
The PAOK striker is however not the only player who has agreed to switch his nationality to Nigeria as three others have also signed off the papers and just like Akpom they are waiting for the green light from FIFA to complete the switch.
” Akpom isn’t the only one, three others have also agreed to play for Nigeria. Infact two of them initially turned down the chance to represent us last year but they are ready this year and very soon they will have the necessary documents to enable them play for Nigeria “, a source told Owngoalnigeria.com.
Very nice move by the FA/FF for keeping this switchings confidential as to avoid another Abraham incidence’, who knows maybe that QPR’s Eze guy is one those aforementioned two previously doing Shakara’
Fingers crossed’ Ears to the ground’ Eyes watching`
Like AY Philly d great would always say
#FLY LIKE AN EAGLE INTO THE FUTURE
Samchi I also read that report at own goal.. They refuse disclosing who the other two were.. But something tells me it’s Tammy Abraham and ebere eze..
Those two should be wise to do the needful.. Why should Tammy compete with Kane and Rasford..for goodness sake Kane is English captain there is no way they could bench him for Tammy and this Tammy boy is primarily a top 9 same position with Kane.. I feel he is wise
My guess” Tomori/Saka, Lookman and Eze”
Sometimes this players agree to switch when it’s late for them to.. For example in defence we are well covered we’ve got Kenneth, awazue and ekong all playing regularly so calling tomori would be very difficult also for looman and sheji ojo I wonder if we can drop Sam kalu or golden boy Sam chukweeze.. Where we have space presently is in the midfield and I wonder who the adviser of ebere eze are and ejarua are.. Soon players like Mikel agu, ramon azzez who take up those stops then it might be too late
Good for him. I guess he saw Josh Maja against Ukraine and said to himself: that could be me.
He saw Iwobi play in the World Cup and wondered what might have been had he thought differently.
He saw Ola Aina at the Afcon.
Finally, he said: ‘if Iwobi can go to the world cup, if Ola Aina can be an Afcon bronze medalist, If Maja can be playing high quality friendlies, what the hell am I doing wasting my international football talents?’
Welcome to the national team son.
Chuba Akpom, plentiful reward awaits any player who works hard for the Super Eagles.
Our perennial problem with the Super Eagles has always been strong first team, weak bench. Right from the time we burst onto the scene at USA 94 world cup.
Remove one player and we fall apart. I’m 94 it was Amuneke taken out by Alberto I, fast forward France 2014, it was Matuidi taking out Onazi.
We need two players of equal or similar levels for a strong squad, hence we need one more centre back to complete the year guard. Troost, Awaziem, Omeruo and Tomori(?).
A full back to complete Aina, Ebuehi, Collins ama Ehizibue (?)
A number 10 to challenge Iwobi and Aribo
A defensive midfielder to push Ndidi
And a striker good enough to challenge Osimhen
Continuous improvement to the squad. Akpom and 2 others? I’ve named my preferences
Albertini
That’s my motto as well bigD: continuous improvement.
If I see that in my Super Eagles constantly, I couldn’t give a rat’s behind who the coach is!!
Ayphillydegreat, my brother, you come at it as if you love Nigeria and the Super Eagles more than every other person. Nigeria is our country and we love love love the Eagles very very very much! We know that Nigeria is replete with abundant talents and if the right combination of players is attained, the Super Eagles will ´scatter the world´ and become the first African country to do so.
However, some of us are so blind that sometimes we cannot see the wood for the trees. I want you to know that sometimes you (as a spectator) sitting on the sideline and watching may see better than the coach.
You said I did not mention the more brilliant trainer I talked about. Look, I think Rohr is not a bad coach and neither is he a world class coach, but he should be left to finish the job – The best coaches Nigeria has got in the widely acclaimed combination of Clemence Westerhof/Bonfrere Jo were not world class coaches, but they were able to do wonders and shake the world and it took them about 5 years to do so – So Rohr should be left to handle these guys for another 2 years.
Ayphillydereat, you also asked some funny questions if I invited Aribo to the national team, but in your blind patriotism, you did not make any mention of my reference to Rohr initially wanting to omit the same Aribo (who desplayed total skill in his first game) from the forthcoming friendly against Brazil. This is precisely ´the new sensation´ and ´weapon of destruction´ who together with Kalu wrecked havoc on Ukraine in the last friendly match. How can a normal coach even be thinking of omitting a terror like Aribo who was a thorn in the flesh of the opponent? But, Thank God that something clicked in Rohr´s head and he finally decided to include Aribo in the squad and finally promised to use his best team.
My people,
we should learn to critisize constructively. What we lovers of the Super Eagles are saying is that the coach should always use his BEST MATERIALS and every friendly match offers a veritable opportunity TO DEVELOP AND BUILD A (NEW) TEAM. We all love Nigeria and want the best for the Eagles. This is because whenever the coach misfires, it affects not only the results on the field of play, but also the mood of Nigerians. Nigerians love football very much and the life of the footballers themselves depend on it.
Finally, Mr Goal, you said when people complain about Rohr´s substitute they forget that the first 11 have more quality than the bench. Well, yes and half ´no´. Half ´no´ because sometimes the bench could be complete with very high quality reserves that it becomes hard to pick the first 11. Have you forgotten so easily the Super Eagles of ´94? You could not say that a player like Emmanuel Amunike who was mostly coming from the bench was worse than those on the pitch and whenever he came in, he changed the games. So it all depends on healthy competition for jerseys in the team that the coach creates, what the coach wants and then on his strategy and tactise for each match.
To conclude, I would like to say that we all as fans have the same aim – A better Super Eagles that will bring the World Cup to Africa for the first time. Rohr is not bad and should be left to finish the job. However, I think he needs some technical assistance just like Bonfrere Jo was to Westerhof, because Rohr do make some technical blunders every now and then and that is not good enough! So, Ayphillydegreat, Omo9ja, Goal and the others, I hope you can see where we are coming from – We should learn to criticise constructively…
Pls where did you hear or read that ROhr was planning to omit Aribo from the Brazil frienlies….??? Kindly share such link with us and lets read it too. Otherwise I put it to you that you are just trying to call a dog a bad name to hang it.
Since the game against Ukraine, Rohr has always singled out Aribo for praise for his performance in that match. And ever since the Brazil frienly was put in the public domian, ROhr has always mentioned Aribo in his ‘exclusive’ list of 7 players that will surely be called up for the game and i have as many links as possible to share in that regard.
So pls kindly share with us any link where it was stated that Rohr wanted or was planning to omit Aribo from the Brazil match.
Is the SuperEagles my personal property?? Heck no SuperEagles is for every Nigerian or perhaps every African if possible. I’m glad you accept that Rohr should continue is good work, but how come no one ever read anything on any internet or news platform that Rohr was trying to omit Aribo from the forthcoming friendly??? You’re a pathetic blind liar. In your blind shallow mind you think by sitting on the sideline you know better than the coach who assembled the team???
You claim to be criticizing constructively, but your criticism is more sentimental because Rohr even said that he has been monitoring Aribo since he was at Charlton Athletic and knew he could be a valuable addition to the SuperEagles. Most of you now shouting about Aribo never ever knew anything about him until now. Now you’re here writing long epistles about the coach wanting to omit Aribo from the forthcoming friendly.
Dude you have a right to your opinions, but don’t ever refer to any of my comments as been blind because I know exactly what I’m talking about and that’s my opinion. You said we have abundance of talents please tell me do we have players at Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, ManU, even Liverpool, Inter, Or AC Milan?? What we have is a plethora of prospects and it’s down to the good work of Rohr that we now players playing mostly in the top five leagues in Europe. As far as I’ve seen so far over the last three years I’m seeing a SuperEagles steadily rising to the ascendancy under Rohr and blind enough to know that. If you’re not.
Your reply is not complete or not acceptable, I used to criticise Rohr also when it comes to set pieces, I believe the best should take it instead of allowing etebo to always wast our set pieces, but the issue of substitute in my own opinion depends on the quality of the our bench.
My coach please don’t main them just face your work our problem now is goalkeeper and lookman, ojo