Video : Chelsea academy product Musiala tells 433 he thought about playing for Nigeria

Chelsea academy product Jamal Musiala has admitted that he thought about playing international football for three-time African champions Nigeria before pledging his allegiance to his country of birth, Germany.

Aged nineteen, the Bayern Munich attacking midfielder was arguably the standout youngster in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup but missed out on the Best Young Player award after Germany were surprisingly knocked out in the group stage. 

Musiala was also eligible for a third country, England before he committed his international future to Germany, and was teammates with Eberechi Eze in the England U21 setup, Carney Chukwuemeka in England U17s, and Kelechi Chibueze in England U16s.

Nigeria were the only country he didn't make an appearance for at any level before his senior debut for Germany. 

Former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, who has a connection with Bayern Munich having represented the Bavarians in his playing days, attempted to convince Musiala to play for the Super Eagles but was unsuccessful. 

Speaking to 433's Promises, Musiala said : "I could have also played for Nigeria, which also crossed my mind. And I thought about it as well. I had good talks with both of them so it really just came down to me, and where I'd feel the most comfortable. 

"So I decided then to go with Germany "

Musiala was eligible for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian dad and England because he grew up there.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : dfb.de

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