Ex-England Youth Int'l Urges Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs Talents To Play For Nigeria Not Three Lions

Former England U19 international Sone Aluko has urged Chelsea duo Dominic Solanke and Fikayo Tomori, Liverpool midfielders Sheyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria, Tottenham Hotspur's Josh Onomah and Everton teen sensation Ademola Lookman to switch their international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

The Fulham winger admitted that it would be difficult for the Nigerian Federation to convince the six players, who starred for England U20s at the World Cup, to represent the Super Eagles because they learnt their craft and were raised in England.

''The onus is on Nigeria and not the players. Nigeria have to make it attractive for these players to leave the path they've known,'' Aluko said to Complete Sports.

''After being in the English system, and Nigeria who have never invested in their career invite them, it would be difficult.''

He added : ''Even me that can be described as a success story, I only have six caps, I haven't started in a competitive game for Super Eagles but I have scored two goals and people said I have done well.

''So it is the responsibility for Nigeria to make it attractive for them which I think is what they are trying to do now in getting these players. ''

This website understands the Nigeria Football Federation have attempted to persuade Ojo, Ejaria, Onomah and Lookman to switch allegiance to play for Nigeria as opposed to their country of birth, while Solanke and Tomori wish to continue playing for England.

Chelsea defender Ola Aina, a former England U19 captain, could make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles when they tackle Cameroon in August if the NFF sort out his paperwork in time.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : thefa.com