Chelsea Block England-Born Striker From Switching Allegiance to Nigeria Ahead of World Cup
- Chelsea have reportedly refused to release 16-year-old striker Chizaram Ezenwata for the Flying Eagles training camp
- The decision from the Blues ruins Nigeria’s immediate plans ahead of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in a few weeks
- Ezenwata remains eligible to represent England, Nigeria, and Cameroon despite Chelsea’s latest stance
Chelsea have stopped their youth team star, Chizaram “Chizzy” Ezenwata, from joining Nigeria’s U20 training camp ahead of the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
The teenager, who has been on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) radar for years, was expected to link up with the Flying Eagles in Abuja.
Source: Twitter
However, the Club World Cup champions have refused to give Chizzy the green light, citing scheduling and regulatory factors, All Nigeria Soccer reports.
The camp is being held outside FIFA’s official international window, meaning Chelsea are under no obligation to release the striker.
Despite Nigeria’s strong interest, the London club’s decision effectively sidelines Ezenwata from immediate participation in the Flying Eagles World Cup preparations.
Nigeria to battle two countries for Chizzy
Chizzy has been described as one of the most exciting prospects in Chelsea’s youth ranks.
In his last season as a schoolboy, the 16-year-old striker finished as the top scorer for Chelsea U18s with 12 goals in 20 games, also making his debut in the Premier League 2.
Source: Twitter
His eye for goal and sharp instincts have placed him on the radar of top scouts, including those from the Nigerian Football Federation.
Chizzy is eligible to represent three countries as England, Nigeria, and Cameroon are set to slug it out for the international commitment of the Chelsea striker.
The 16-year-old forward has played for England's Under-17s, where he was born, but can also represent Nigeria, through his father, who is a former Gombe United player, Ndubuisi Ezenwata, and Cameroon, through his mother.
In May 2025, he took a step closer to Nigeria when he visited the Super Eagles camp in West London, where he was welcomed by head coach Eric Chelle and several senior internationals.
Nigeria continue preparations for World Cup
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles coach, Aliyu Zubairu, is leaving no stone unturned as the team prepares for the U20 World Cup.
The absence of a proven finisher like Ezenwata will certainly be felt, but the door remains open for the teenager to represent Nigeria in the future.
Although the setback frustrates Ezenwata’s representatives and Nigerian fans alike, Chelsea’s refusal is not permanent.
FIFA regulations mean that should Nigeria formally call him up during an international window, Chelsea would be compelled to release him.
For now, Nigeria will continue their preparations with the pool of available players, while keeping an eye on Ezenwata’s progress in London.
The Flying Eagles have been pegged in a somewhat easy group after being placed alongside Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Norway in Group F, per FIFA.com.
England lose another star to Nigeria
In another development, Legit.ng reported that St. Pauli winger Dapo Afolayan has reportedly committed his future to the Super Eagles while awaiting an official invite from coach Eric Chelle.
The 27-year-old came off the bench in a debut for the England C team, which comprises non-league players.
Source: Legit.ng
