'Proud Dutchman' - Future Chelsea striker Emegha explains why he chose Netherlands over Nigeria

Future Chelsea striker Emanuel Emegha has explained his decision to commit his international future to the Netherlands over Nigeria, where his mother originally hails from.

The Hague native had also been eligible to represent Togo through his father, but he's now cap-tied to the Dutch national team after making his competitive debut in Friday night's 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Poland in Warsaw. 

Emegha entered the match in the 87th minute, replacing Memphis Depay, thereby officially becoming cap-tied to the Oranje.

The 22-year-old received his first senior call-up for the November internationals, with Ajax striker Wout Weghorst unavailable due to fitness concerns.

Emegha revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation had approached him regarding a possible switch from the 1988 European champions to the three-time African champions. 

However, he maintained that the Netherlands was always his preferred choice.

Explaining his decision, Emegha was quoted as saying by Sportnieuws: "The Netherlands is simply my country. 

"I'm a proud Dutchman and always will be. Even if I weren't called up, I would still be Dutch."

After making his competitive debut, Emegha is determined to cement his place in the Dutch national team and earn a spot in the squad for the 2026 World Cup to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"I'm going to work towards the World Cup all season. I'll do anything for that. 

"Score more goals, provide more assists, be extremely fit. I've had a lot of injuries this season, I want to be in top shape."

Emegha becomes the third Dutch-Nigerian forward in recent years to commit to the Netherlands at senior level, following Arnaut Danjuma and Joshua Zirkzee.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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