Chelsea midfielder Chukwuemeka chooses to play for England over Nigeria ahead of Euro 2024

Talented Chelsea central midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has set the record straight regarding his international future.

Carney and his elder brother Caleb Chukwuemeka, who is on the books of Aston Villa, were born in Austria to Nigerian parents but they moved to Woolwich, south-east London at a very young age. 

The Chukwuemekas are eligible to represent three countries namely Nigeria, Austria and England. 

The English Football Association are in pole position for the services of Carney Chukwuemeka, having provisionally cap-tied him in a European U19 Championship qualifier against Andorra in November 2021.

He was one of the standout players for the Young Lions squad that won this summer's U19 Euro, highlighted by the fact that he was named in the Team of the Tournament. 

Chukwuemeka was promoted to England U20s this season and is now aiming to be included in the Three Lions squad to the 2024 European Championship. 

Speaking to the 5th Stand, the official application of Chelsea, Chukuwemeka stated in his own words : "In 2023, I want to kick on and break into the team. To make my Champions League debut. To keep my confidence high. To build on my past performances. 

"And so much as it was my dream to play for Chelsea, it's also my dream to play for my country England. 

"I've set my self this goal to play at EURO 2024. Obviously, I've got to keep on working hard and then we'll see what happens."

The Nigeria Football Federation were able to convince two former Chelsea stars who previously represented the Young Lions, Victor Moses and Ola Aina, to switch their international allegiance from England to Nigeria.

On the other hand, the Nigerian Federation missed out on two Chelsea Academy products Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chesleafc.com

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