In a significant boost for Nigerian football, promising Fulham midfielder Tyrell Ojugo has publicly declared his readiness to represent the Super Eagles at the senior international level, choosing Nigeria over England.
Ojugo's International Allegiance Decision
Tyrell Ojugo, a central midfielder who has captained Fulham's under-15 side, is eligible to play for both nations through his parents—Nigeria via his father and England through his mother. The young talent has now made a clear commitment to follow in the footsteps of other UK-born Nigerian stars like Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze.
His leadership traits have been evident on and off the pitch for the Fulham youth setup this season. Ojugo's elder brother, Thierry, is also involved in football, currently featuring for AFC Wimbledon's under-16 team.
Chelle's Recruitment Drive and AFCON Focus
This development aligns with the active recruitment strategy of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. The Franco-Mali tactician, who took charge after Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has shifted his full attention to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Chelle has already submitted a preliminary 54-man list for the tournament, where Nigeria will compete in Group C against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda, aiming for a fourth continental title. Prior to his first match—a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda—Chelle personally visited several dual-eligible players, including those in the English Premier League, to discuss their international futures.
He has also used platforms like the 2025 Unity Cup and a friendly against Russia to assess new talents, having already handed debuts to players like Felix Agu and Christantus Uche.
Growing Trend of Foreign-Born Super Eagles
Nigerian sports journalist Rabark Idowu predicts this is just the beginning of a larger trend. In an exclusive interview, Idowu explained that the superior training facilities and early academy exposure abroad equip these players with a high level of skill, allowing them to choose their international allegiance after age-grade tournaments.
"Whether we like it or not, there will be a high influx of foreign-born players into the Super Eagles," Idowu stated, highlighting a modern reality for many national teams.
This sentiment is echoed by fan discussions online, where supporters are also clamoring for the inclusion of other talents like former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, described by one fan as "the next big thing" for the national team.
With the 2025 AFCON on the horizon, Coach Eric Chelle's blend of home-based and diaspora talents will be under intense scrutiny as Nigeria seeks to reclaim its place atop African football.
