Reports that Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu have submitted their papers for a switch of nationality to represent Nigeria are false according to a top NFF official.
Social media was abuzz on Friday following reports that Chelsea loanees Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are making moves to switch their international allegiance to Nigeria.
The report further claimed that the switch is nearing completion, with both players allegedly named in the Super Eagles’s 31-man squad for the upcoming critical World Cup Qualifiers.
However, according to BBC journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, a top NFF official has dismissed this report.
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Okeleji who posted on X, quoted the unnamed NFF official as tagging the story fake news.
“Only a federation can apply on behalf of players if they intend to switch, news circulating now is fake news,” Okeleji quoted the official.
Despite the denial, fans remain optimistic that Nigeria can still convince Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu, as well as other Nigerian-eligible players, to represent the national team, especially since they may not be regulars for England and France respectively.
Premier league side Chelsea, acquired Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu as part of their strategy to attract the best young talents globally. Currently, Chukwuemeka is on loan at Borussia Dortmund, while Ugochukwu plies his trade alongside Nigerian internationals Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu at Southampton.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and new Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle’s attention will be on selecting top-performing Nigerian players from their clubs for the crucial World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for March.
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