Reviews that Chelsea duo Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu have submitted papers to change their worldwide allegiance from England and France to Nigeria have been dismissed, Soccernet.ng understands.
Each gamers who’re presently plying their commerce in English Premier League are eligible to play for each England and Nigeria.
Earlier studies instructed that the 2 midfielders had utilized for a nationality swap and had been included within the Tremendous Eagles’ 31-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in opposition to Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
JUST IN: Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu of Chelsea have utilized to change nationality to Nigeria pic.twitter.com/SSvrytW1cZ
— Nigeria Tales (@NigeriaStories) February 7, 2025
No Official Utility But
In keeping with BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, a prime NFF official clarified that solely the federation can apply for a participant’s swap, refuting the claims that Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu had initiated the method.
“Solely a federation can apply on behalf of gamers in the event that they intend to change. The information circulating now could be pretend,” the official acknowledged.
Whereas there might have been discussions concerning the gamers’ potential inclusion in Nigeria’s squad, there is no such thing as a official affirmation that they’ve begun the method to vary their worldwide allegiance.
Eric Chelle’s Appointment and Tremendous Eagles’ Should-Win Fixtures
In the meantime, Mali’s former head coach, Eric Chelle, has been appointed as the brand new head coach of the Tremendous Eagles, taking cost forward of Nigeria’s essential World Cup qualifiers in March.
The three-time African champions are in dire want of victories in opposition to Rwanda and Zimbabwe to spice up their probabilities of securing a spot within the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Nigeria’s midfield needing reinforcements, discussions have emerged within the Nigerian soccer group about whether or not Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu—ought to they swap allegiance—could be helpful additions to Chelle’s squad.
Ought to Chelle Contemplate Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu?
Each gamers provide thrilling prospects for Nigeria. Chukwuemeka is an attacking midfielder, and has showcased his potential within the Premier League, whereas Ugochukwu, a defensive midfielder, gives stability in the course of the park and is an ideal possibility for Wilfred Ndidi.
Their inclusion might strengthen the Tremendous Eagles’ midfield choices, particularly when the crew is sweating over Wilfred Ndidi’s full health earlier than March.
Nevertheless, with no official nationality swap but, it stays unsure whether or not they are going to be accessible for choice anytime quickly.
For now, Chelle might should give attention to gamers already dedicated to Nigeria as he prepares for the crucial March fixtures.
Ayomide Oguntimehin
Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports activities journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a confirmed monitor report in conducting interviews with Tremendous Eagles stars resembling William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Vibrant Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and lots of others. He has additionally made a big influence in breaking switch information tales.
Grounded in video enhancing, video journalism, social media administration, and content material technique, Ayomide brings a wealth of experience to his work.