Ajax striker Chuba Akpom has once again expressed his desire to play for Nigeria, reports Completesports.com.
Akpom,29, was born in London to Nigerian parents.
The former PAOK player has represented England at youth level but can still play for Nigeria.
The Arsenal academy graduate switched international allegiance in 2019.
The forward has however not receive an invitation to the Super Eagles since making himself available to play for the West Africans.
“I try to give a 100%. I’ve been waiting since 2019. I’ve switched allegiances a long time ago but if it happens, it happens, I’ll just keep working hard,” he told Oma Sports.
Akpom further clarified the reason behind his decision to switch allegiance.
“It’s not that the players are switching over because they can’t play for England, it’s just that they’ve not had the opportunity to play for Nigeria from a young age. They play in England and they play for England from youth levels all the way up,”he added.
By Adeboye Amosu
3 Comments
Chelle should give this guy and Dessers another chance as backups to Osimhen in place of Boniface in the WCQs. Or maybe in the next friendlies, along with Arokodare.
But for now, I think Moffi is next to Osimhen in that No. 9 role. Awoniyi hasn’t been lucky with injuries. Otherwise, he’s another handful for opposing defenders.
This dude had the same opportunity as Iwobi but he misused it.
Hopefully, he has learnt his lessons but I doubt he can displace any of Osi9, Akor, Dessers, Awo, Arokodare, Boni, and Moffi.
I believe Eric Chelle will consider the current form to select his team.
Based on his philosophy, he preferred the players who can make things happen and players who play regularly.
That said, we are in a position where we have to consider our best players to prosecute the remaining World Cup qualifiers.
I watched Akpom’s interview, and he explained in detail why the foreign burn players are having issues playing for Nigeria. I agree with him on that.
Nonetheless, we need the new faces in the Super Eagles under Eric Chelle.
Moffi, Dessers, Akpom, Arokodare, Ejuke, Orban and Tella should make the World Cup qualifiers list if they are still informed and also playing regularly. These seven players are so essential to Nigeria’s World Cup ticket
If we don’t have international friendlies before our two matches in March, NFF should make it happen by organizing two to three unofficial friendly matches with our top three local league teams.
NFF should do something meaningful between now and March. We are all Nigerians and we should consider the best to represent Nigeria. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!