Chelsea’s Super Eagles-eligible midfielder leaves door open for possible Nigeria call-up

Carney Chukwuemeka has struggled for form and playing time since joining Chelsea from Aston Villa last summer making just 15 appearance in all competitions last season

Chelsea midfielder, Carney Chukwuemeka has revealed that playing for Nigeria in the future cannot be totally ruled out, Soccernet.ng.

The 19-year-old joined was born in Austria to Nigerian parents, which makes eligible to play for the Nigerian national team but has represented the English national team at youth levels and was part of their squad for the 2023 U20 World Cup.

Chukwuemeka, who has earlier in his career likened himself to Paul Pogba, arrived at the West London club for £18 million last summer, as one of the best promising teenagers in World football, but struggled to keep a regular place in their squad as the club ended a disappointing league campaign in 12th place.

However, he has played in all of Chelsea’s pre-season games this summer as he is working to regain his best form and stamp a regular place under new boss Mauricio Pochettino in the new season.

Speaking after Chelsea’s 1-1 draw friendly game against Borussia Dortmund in Chicago on Thursday, Chukwuemeka has left the door open for a possible call-up to the Super Eagles squad in the future when asked if he could still play for Nigeria.

 I haven’t really thought about it. I am focused on England, who I have played for at youth level. We will see what the future holds

Could you play for Nigeria? “I haven’t really thought about it. I am focused on England, who I have played for at youth level. We will see what the future holds.”

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 3, 2023

Should the former Northampton Town academy product decides to switch allegiance to the African country, his football intelligence and physical attributes will be valuable to the Super Eagles squad.