Nigerian Players With Dual Nationality Aina, Akpom, Ejaria Will Not Be Forced To Represent England
Published: March 28, 2017
England coach Gareth Southgate has insisted that he won’t force players who have dual nationality to represent the Three Lions, stating that they should be honoured to wear the England jersey without persuasion.
In the last few days, the Nigeria Football Federation have held talks with Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom, Chelsea defender Ola Aina, Sunderland’s Josh Maja and QPR starlet Eze over committing their international future to the Super Eagles, while the progress of Ovie Ejaria at Liverpool is being monitored.
And it appears the leadership of the Federation was successful in the approach, with Akpom, Aina and Eze training with the national team in London this week.
“In the end I have to focus on players who are desperate to play for England. I’m not aware those sorts of players are wanting to play for England or not really..., ” Southgate said.
“I didn’t get capped until I was 25 and I had no interest in playing for anyone else. I’m English and proud to be English and I think part of your identity as a national team has to be pride in the shirt.
“So for me the commitment has to come from the player.”
Everton’s Ross Barkley and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli were eligible to play for the Super Eagles before they became cap-tied to England.
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : thenff.com
In the last few days, the Nigeria Football Federation have held talks with Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom, Chelsea defender Ola Aina, Sunderland’s Josh Maja and QPR starlet Eze over committing their international future to the Super Eagles, while the progress of Ovie Ejaria at Liverpool is being monitored.
And it appears the leadership of the Federation was successful in the approach, with Akpom, Aina and Eze training with the national team in London this week.
“In the end I have to focus on players who are desperate to play for England. I’m not aware those sorts of players are wanting to play for England or not really..., ” Southgate said.
“I didn’t get capped until I was 25 and I had no interest in playing for anyone else. I’m English and proud to be English and I think part of your identity as a national team has to be pride in the shirt.
“So for me the commitment has to come from the player.”
Everton’s Ross Barkley and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli were eligible to play for the Super Eagles before they became cap-tied to England.
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : thenff.com
Latest News
- 'We beat Ghana 6-1' - Manu Garba highlights the pedigree of most successful U17 team in the world
- Everton ready to offer Nigeria's best defensive forward the chance to stay in the Premier League
- England squads announcement: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham starlets eligible for Nigeria selected
- Man Utd join Chelsea in keeping an eye on situation of Super Eagles star ahead of possible summer move
- Finidi sweats over fitness of 2023 AFCON star Onyeka before Super Eagles squad announcement
- Potential Zirkzee replacement: Bologna linked with move for 2023 Super Eagles invitee
- U17 AFCON qualifier Nigeria 1 Niger 0: Rapha Adams header secures three points for Golden Eaglets
- Isaac Success: 2013 U17 AFCON top scorer suffers injury in Italy ahead of Finidi's squad announcement
- After the return to action of Onuachu and Osayi-Samuel, Finidi has another fitness boost pre-Bafana Bafana
- Bayo Fapetu: Derby County in contract talks with midfielder who was on the books of Arsenal for ten years
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football