The Super Eagles are set to lose another eligible player to the Three Lions, having lost Bukayo Saka already.
Chelsea star Noni Madueke has all but ended Nigeria’s hopes of capping him at the international level after committing his future to England.
Madueke is currently on the books of Chelsea, having joined the club from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for €35.00m in January.
Madueke chooses England
The 21-year-old was born in London and has represented the Three Lions of England at various youth levels.
However, Madueke is also eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents, who are of Nigerian origin.
22:37 - 20.06.2023
'Impossible' — Madueke rules out leaving Chelsea on loan this summer
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke dismisses the possibility of going out on loan.
Under the current FIFA rule, Madueke can switch international allegiance to Nigeria as he is only 21 and has not played for England at the senior level.
Madueke dumps Nigeria
But the youngster has shut that notion down after stating that his immediate focus is to play for England under Gareth Southgate.
Speaking in an interview with the Evening Standard, Madueke says he hopes to improve on his performance at Chelsea and get into the England squad under Southgate.
“If I play week in, week out next season, I will be in contention for a senior team call-up. I’ve spoken to Gareth Southgate and the door is open,” Madueke told the Evening Standard as per CFC Psys.
“Being a Chelsea legend, playing for England and scoring goals comes with it, but I just want to be seen as a player that inspired”
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“I want people to look back on my career and think, ‘Wow, Noni was unbelievable’. I want them to be in awe,” he added.
Madueke’s latest declaration is a big blow for the Super Eagles, who are set to lose another exciting young talent to England.
The three-time African champions already lost Bukayo Saka, who has now turned out to be one of England’s best players.
Madueke, although still has a long way to go, could be next in line should he start putting in the work at Chelsea.
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