Sports News of Monday, 1 May 2023

Source: www.sportsbrief.com

Heartbreak as Super Eagles set to lose Chelsea’s Nigeria eligible midfielder

The Nigerian Football Federation are now on the verge of missing out on getting the international allegiance of Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka who is now being wanted by Austria - the country of his birth.

Over the years, Nigeria has lost some players who were eligible to play for the three-time African champions, but chose other nations due to personal reasons.

When Amaju Pinnick was the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, he tried to convince the duo of Tammy Abraham, Bukayo Saka and Fikayo Tomori, but the snubbed playing for the former African champions.

According to the latest report on Pulse, Chukwuemeka is eligible to play for Nigeria, Austria and England.

Chukwuemeka is of Igbo descent in Nigeria. He was born in Austria to Nigerian parents and then later moved and was raised in England.

A things stand, the Chelsea star can choose to represent any of these three countries.

The report on talkSPORT, states that the 19-year-old is interested in England or Austria and not Nigeria.

Sports Brief spoke to Chairman of Kwara State Sports Writers Association, Ayodeji Ismail, who claimed that he would be happy for the NFF chiefs to try their best.

Statement made by Ismail

''It has always been difficult when it comes to the NFF convincing players born in Europe to play for Nigeria, but Carney is a good player and I would be glad if we can get him to play for Eagles.''