Southend United starlet, Jordan Alawode-Williams, believes several Anglo- Nigerian youngsters have chosen to represent England youth teams instead of Nigeria because they were never contacted by the Nigeria Football Federation.

For example, Mandela Egbo (Crystal Palace), Joshua Onomah (Tottenham Hotspur) and Dominic Solanke (Chelsea) were part of the England squad that won the European Under 17 championship in Malta last month.

But the three players have Nigerian blood flowing in their veins and remain eligible to play for any of the national teams.

“I think it’s down to Nigeria’s scouting system. A lot of my friends who are at top clubs would rather play for Nigeria but it’s difficult to get into contact with them or get seen.

“My advantage is that I have a team of good representatives at New Breed Sports Management  who are in regular contact with members of the NFF,” the 16 - year - old said to SL10.ng

“I would play for Nigeria as that is the national team I wish to represent in future. I was almost invited to Nigeria’s training camp for last seasons Under 20 Toulon tournament but had to pull out due to exams but I hope to be called up again in the future so hopefully the NFF call again sometime soon!” he added.

The former Arsenal and Charlton fullback, who models his game after Efe Ambrose, has been at Southend United for the past one year.