Ex-Chelsea Star Discloses Why Nigeria Missed Out on Saka, Eze, and Others to England
- Former Chelsea and England star Eni Aluko has revealed why Nigerian football struggles to attract players with dual nationalities
- Nigeria has lost top talents like Bukayo Saka, Jamal Musiala, and Eberechi Eze to European nations like England and Germany
- Aluko urged the Nigerian Football Federation to improve its organisation, investment, and professionalism
Nigeria has a long history of losing talented footballers with dual nationalities to other countries, particularly in Europe.
Former Chelsea attacker Eni Aluko, who chose to represent England over the Super Falcons, has opened up about why many players make that decision.
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In recent years, superstars like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Bayern Munich duo of Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze have opted to represent England, Germany and France, respectively, Soccernet reports.
These players were eligible to represent Nigeria through their parents, but chose European countries instead.
Despite these losses, several players have proudly committed to the Super Eagles, including Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey, and William Troost-Ekong.
On the women’s side, the Super Falcons have had dual nationals like Ashleigh Plumptre, Jennifer Echegini, and Michelle Alozie commit to play for Nigeria at senior level.
Why England is more attractive
Eni Aluko, who earned 104 caps for England, explained the reason during an appearance on the Obi One Podcast.
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Born in Nigeria but raised in England, Aluko made her debut for the Lionesses at 17 and never looked back.
The former Chelsea star stated that many players who grow up abroad often lack a deep connection to Nigeria. Coupled with the challenges facing Nigerian football, the appeal of representing European nations is stronger.
“I think England is England,” Aluko said.
“Players who grow up here and choose their heritage country usually do so because they feel they can’t make a career with England. The onus is on Nigeria to make playing for the national team attractive.”
Aluko also highlighted issues in Nigerian football, including organisation, investment, and professionalism, as major stumbling blocks to convincing dual-national players to choose the Super Eagles or Super Falcons.
NFF urged to step up
Aluko believes the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) must take proactive steps to reverse this trend of losing top talents to European countries like England.
By improving infrastructure, player management, and international visibility, Nigeria could make itself a competitive option for players eligible to represent multiple countries.
She urged the NFF to learn from how European federations handle dual-national players:
“It’s really important for the Nigerian federation to make sure it is a competitive choice. Players should feel proud and secure about representing Nigeria, not see it as a last resort.”
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Nigeria will need to secure the best players to remain competitive globally.
Chelsea star considers Super Eagles
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has yet again spoken about the possibility of representing the Super Eagles of Nigeria on the international stage.
Adarabioyo represented England at youth levels, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have been in discussions to get him to switch his international allegiance. He denied the rumours that he had turned down previous approaches after Chelsea won the Conference League in Wroclaw, Poland, in May.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
