Chuba Akpom, the Ajax forward, has expressed his desire to play for the Nigerian national team, stating that he has been waiting for a call-up since switching his allegiance in 2019. Akpom spoke exclusively to Omasports at the Johan Cruyff Arena after Ajax’s 2-1 victory over Galatasaray.
Despite his commitment to Nigeria, Akpom has yet to receive a national team call-up, leaving him uncertain about the reason behind his omission.
“I don’t have a clue. There are a lot of good strikers, of course, but for the nation to progress, selection needs to be based on merit. The players who are performing well need to be selected,” he stated.
Akpom emphasized that he has remained dedicated, giving his all on the pitch while hoping for an opportunity to represent Nigeria at the senior level.
“I’ve been waiting since 2019. I switched allegiances a long time ago, but if it happens, it happens. If not, I just keep working hard,” he added.
The topic of dual-nationality players often sparks debate, with some questioning the motives of those who initially play for European nations before switching to Nigeria. Akpom addressed this issue, stating that young players in England do not have the option of representing Nigeria at youth levels, unlike their counterparts who grow up in the country.
“When you grow up in England, you play for England at U16, U17, U18, U19, all the way up to U21. We never had the chance to play for Nigeria at those youth levels. It’s only when you start breaking into the first team that Nigeria comes and says, ‘Come and play for our nation,’” he explained.
The forward insisted that players like him are not switching allegiances out of convenience but rather because they were never given the opportunity to represent Nigeria from a young age.
“Of course, I’m a Nigerian boy, and I would love to play for Nigeria, but I just haven’t had the chance to. That’s all,” he reiterated.
Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel recently advised players to commit to Nigeria early, rather than waiting until their late 20s to make a decision. Akpom, now 28, responded to that perspective, explaining that his situation was different.
“I don’t feel attacked because, like I said, we never had the chance to play for Nigeria when we were young. I was never approached when I was younger to play for Nigeria,” he stated.
He emphasized that players who embrace Nigeria at any stage should be welcomed, as their talent only strengthens the national team.
“If you want to represent the country, the better talents Nigeria has, the stronger the nation is. Ultimately, when you put on that Nigerian shirt, nobody cares about your past. You’re a Nigerian boy. That Naija blood is strong, and you can’t run away from it,” Akpom concluded.
As Akpom continues to impress in European football, his national team hopes remain alive. In a new chapter of his career, Akpom has now joined Lille FC on loan from Ajax, where he hopes to continue making his case for a Super Eagles call-up.