NFF Secures International Future of Chelsea Star, Ditches England for Nigeria
- The Nigeria Football Federation have won the race for the future of a young Chelsea star over England
- The young striker, the son of a former NPFL player, was also eligible for England and Cameroon
- He will team up with the Nigerian U20 team, Flying Eagles, ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup next year
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have won the battle against England for the international future of a youngster who is eligible to play for both countries.
NFF, in recent years, has been in pursuit of players who have multiple nationalities, including Nigeria, to improve the national teams at different age grades.
Source: Getty Images
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, amongst others, are some of those who successfully switched.
Lookman won the CAF Best and played in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations about two years after his switch, setting an example for other intending players.
Chelsea youngster chooses Nigeria over England
According to All Nigeria Soccer, young Chelsea striker Chizaram Ezenwata has dumped England and will now represent Nigeria going forward.
The young striker, who is the son of former Gombe United star Ndubuisi Ezenwata, was born in London and is also eligible to represent Cameroon through his mother.
The NFF has been tracking him for a while, and it appeared like England were winning the battle after he played four times for the U17 team and scored two goals.
He is expected to team up with the Nigerian U20 team camp in Abuja on August 18, where he will be assessed and could be part of the World Cup squad.
His father, Ndubuisi, had previously expressed his desire to see his son wear the green jersey, claiming that he has the talent to make it to the Nigerian teams.
“We would love to see Chizzy represent Nigeria. It’s home. He has the talent and pride to wear that jersey,” he said.
“I want him to play for Nigeria's youth levels and all the way to the Super Eagles. It's up to him to make a decision when he becomes an adult. I have spoken to him and his younger brother, and they are really excited about it.”
Source: Getty Images
Chelsea coach praises Ezenwata
He scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 18 U18 Premier League games for Chelsea last season. Chelsea youth coach Hassan Sulaiman praised his talents.
“He [Ezenwata] is determined, focused, and trains hard every day. It’s no surprise that he got his rewards with those two goals, and I’m sure he will score more over the course of the season,” he told Chelsea's official website.
“He’s a good finisher and I’m really pleased for Chizzy. He represents the future and the potential that this young squad has. I am looking forward to seeing the progress throughout the team.”
Chelsea coach predicted big future for Ezenwata
Legit.ng previously reported that Chelsea’s U18 coach Hassan Sulaiman predicted a big future for Ezenwata after he scored two goals against Brighton.
His progress has been fast-tracked because of his exceptional talent and skills, playing for the U18 as early as 15 years, and also featured in Premier League 2 games.
Source: Legit.ng
