Rising Ajax striker Chuba Akpom has renewed his interest in donning the green and white jersey of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, maintaining his commitment to representing his ancestral homeland despite a lengthy wait since formally switching his international allegiance in 2019. The 29-year-old forward, currently making waves in the Dutch Eredivisie, shared his aspirations during a recent interview with Oma Sports.
Born and raised in London to Nigerian parents, Akpom’s journey reflects the complex identity dynamics faced by many diaspora players eligible to represent multiple nations. The former Arsenal academy graduate, who previously represented England at various youth levels, made his decision to switch international allegiance to Nigeria clear several years ago, yet still awaits his first call-up to the Super Eagles squad.
Speaking candidly about his situation, Akpom emphasized his unwavering dedication to earning a spot in the Nigerian national team setup. “I try to give 100%. I’ve been waiting since 2019. I’ve switched allegiances a long time ago but if it happens, it happens, I’ll just keep working hard,” the striker stated, demonstrating both patience and determination in pursuing his international ambitions.
The Ajax forward also addressed common misconceptions about players of Nigerian descent choosing to represent the West African nation later in their careers. Akpom explained that such decisions often stem from early developmental pathways rather than being a fallback option. It’s not that the players are switching over because they can’t play for England, it’s just that they’ve not had the opportunity to play for Nigeria from a young age. They play in England and they play for England from youth levels all the way up,” he clarified.
Akpom’s desire to represent Nigeria comes at a time when his career has reached new heights, suggesting his potential value to the Super Eagles’ attacking options. His successful stint in Dutch football, combined with his previous experience in English football, could offer tactical versatility to Nigeria’s forward line.
This situation highlights the broader context of international football’s evolving landscape, where players with dual nationality increasingly make conscious choices about their international careers based on personal, cultural, and professional considerations. Akpom’s case represents just one example of numerous players in similar positions, navigating the complex intersection of heritage, opportunity, and athletic ambition.
The striker’s continued interest in representing Nigeria, despite the extended wait, speaks to both his personal commitment and the enduring appeal of playing for the Super Eagles. As one of Africa’s most prominent football nations, Nigeria continues to attract interest from eligible players developing their careers in Europe’s top leagues.
For the Nigerian Football Federation, Akpom’s sustained interest presents an interesting option for the national team’s attacking department. His experience in multiple European leagues, combined with his current form at Ajax, could potentially add valuable depth to the Super Eagles’ squad.
The timing of Akpom’s renewed expression of interest coincides with an important period for Nigerian football, as the Super Eagles continue to evolve and integrate new talent into their ranks. His potential inclusion could represent another example of Nigeria successfully incorporating diaspora talent into their national team setup, following in the footsteps of numerous successful predecessors.
As Akpom continues to develop his game at Ajax while maintaining his desire to represent Nigeria, his situation remains a testament to the complex nature of international football allegiances and the patience sometimes required in pursuing such ambitions. His story serves as an interesting case study in the modern football landscape, where national team representation often involves careful consideration of heritage, opportunity, and timing.
