Reports have been circulating that Chelsea midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are set to switch their international allegiance from England and France to Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Speculation erupted after reports suggested that Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu had applied for a nationality switch and were included in Nigeria’s 31-man provisional squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
However, BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji has confirmed, through a top NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) official, that no such process has been initiated.
“Only a federation can apply on behalf of players if they intend to switch. The news circulating now is fake,” the official clarified.
While both players remain eligible to represent Nigeria due to their heritage, there is no official confirmation that they have taken steps to commit to the Super Eagles.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Will Nigeria Pursue the Chelsea Duo?
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers fast approaching and Wilfred Ndidi’s fitness a concern, many fans believe Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu could be valuable additions to Nigeria’s squad.
- Chukwuemeka, an exciting attacking midfielder, has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League.
- Ugochukwu, a defensive powerhouse, could bring much-needed depth and stability to the Super Eagles’ midfield.
But until a formal application is made and FIFA approves a nationality switch, both players remain eligible for England and France respectively.
Meanwhile, the NFF has appointed Eric Chelle, former Mali national team coach, as the new Super Eagles head coach ahead of the crucial qualifiers in March.
Nigeria, a three-time African champion, is in desperate need of victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to keep its World Cup hopes alive.