Nigeria produces many talents year after year, whether home or abroad. Some of them are born in Europe to Nigerian parents, making them eligible to play for the Super Eagles as well as their birth nations. Today, we will be looking at some of those players who can switch to representing Nigeria this year just like Ademola Lookman did a couple years ago.
- Jacob Murphy
Many people don’t even know that the Newcastle winger is of Nigerian descent. You see, as a matter of fact, Murphy can represent 3 different teams at the international level – his father is Nigerian, his mother is Irish, while he was born in England.
He represented England at the youth level, but considering he is now 30 years old and has never been called up to the England first team, he might be looking at spending his last years as a pro enjoying some international football, and Nigeria can give him that. Yes, it might be a little late in his career, but you cannot bet against Jacob Murphy switching allegiances to Nigeria this year. Speaking of betting, if you’re a fan of sports betting in Nigeria, then bet9ja registration should be at the back of your mind. It is great for people in the country.
- Carney Chukwuemeka
Just like Murphy, Carney Chukwuemeka can also represent 3 different countries – he was born in Austria, he grew up in England and is a citizen of the country, but his parents are Nigerian. He has played in the England youth system but he doesn’t seem to be making much progress breaking into the first team. And it’ll particularly be more difficult for him because his position is packed with top talents in the England squad, from Jude Bellingham to Phil Foden to Cole Palmer and James Maddison amongst others.
With that in mind, the former Aston Villa man could very well be considering switching to Nigeria where he will enjoy more game time while on international duty.
- Lesley Ugochukwu
Lesley was born in France and has already played in the French youth system from the under-18s all the way to the under-23s who finished with silver medals at the 2024 summer Olympics in France.
While he has enjoyed game time in the youth levels, breaking into the first team looks very difficult for the Southampton loanee. It will be hard to displace Tchouaméni, Camavinga, and Kanté. Heck, even the likes of Manu Koné and Guendouzi will be putting up a fight for that defensive midfield spot. So, this means that it might be a long, long time if Ugochukwu decides to wait for that France call up.
But his parents are Nigerian, which means he can represent the Super Eagles if he chooses. He might be considering making that switch soon so that he can give himself a chance of being a part of the squad heading to Morocco for the 2025 AFCON in December.
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