Former Chelsea and England international Eni Aluko has opened up on why many dual-nationality footballers of Nigerian descent are opting to represent England rather than Nigeria at the international level, sparking fresh debate about the country’s approach to player development and global representation.
Aluko, who was born in Nigeria but represented England during her playing career, spoke candidly during an appearance on the podcast hosted by former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel. She attributed the preference for England to what she described as Nigeria’s lack of structural appeal and professionalism in football administration.
“It’s Almost a Default Decision”
Aluko noted that players born and raised in England tend to view the country’s national teams as the primary route to football success due to superior infrastructure, professionalism, and clearer development pathways. According to her, the decision to play for a country of origin like Nigeria often comes only when England appears inaccessible.
“I think the players that grew up here (in England) and choose to play for their country of heritage, it’s usually because they feel like they won’t make it a career for England,” Aluko explained. “So it’s almost a default decision, which it shouldn’t be.”
Aluko’s remarks reflect the growing number of top footballers of Nigerian descent who have decided to represent other nations. These include the likes of England stars Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze, Germany’s Jamal Musiala, and France’s Michael Olise, who recently committed to Les Bleus after much speculation about a potential Super Eagles switch.
A Wake-Up Call for Nigerian Football
Aluko stressed that the onus is on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and other stakeholders to make the option of representing Nigeria more appealing to young talents raised abroad. She cited several longstanding issues that deter players, including inadequate infrastructure, poor organization, and lack of investment in the national teams.
“The onus is on the country (Nigeria) to make it a very attractive option,” she said. “And we know that there are some issues there that still need to be sorted out — in terms of organization, in terms of investment, in terms of just the professionalism, right?”
Aluko’s comments add to the growing calls for structural reform in Nigerian football, especially with many fans expressing disappointment each time a highly talented player of Nigerian descent opts to represent another country. The issue is often seen as a combination of national pride and lost potential.
Nigeria’s Loss, Europe’s Gain
The trend of players turning down Nigeria is particularly evident in recent years. Bukayo Saka, one of the most high-profile examples, has become a key player for England and Arsenal. Jamal Musiala, who was eligible to play for Nigeria through his father, chose Germany and has already starred at the World Cup and Euro tournaments.
Similarly, Michael Olise, who was eligible for Nigeria, England, and France, recently committed to France — a major blow to the hopes of Super Eagles supporters. These cases point to a broader challenge for African football nations, which often struggle to compete with the allure of European football systems.
Even players like Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori, who were initially linked with the Super Eagles, eventually played for England. In the women’s game, the Super Falcons have seen players like Ashleigh Plumptre switch allegiance to Nigeria, but such cases remain relatively few.
A Call for Bold Reforms
Many football experts and former Nigerian players have echoed Aluko’s sentiments. They argue that unless Nigeria adopts a more professional, transparent, and consistent approach to football management, it will continue to lose out on talents who could transform the national teams.
Some analysts have also pointed to the need for better scouting systems abroad, meaningful engagement with diaspora communities, and the establishment of long-term development programs that can rival European models. Others have called for the NFF to involve dual-nationality players early in youth teams to foster a sense of belonging.
Eni Aluko’s own story is reflective of this dilemma. Born in Lagos, she moved to the UK at a young age and progressed through the England youth system. She would go on to earn over 100 caps for the England senior team, becoming one of the country’s most accomplished female players. Her decision to play for England, despite her Nigerian heritage, mirrors that of many others.
A Conversation Worth Continuing
Aluko’s message is as much a critique as it is a challenge. Her insight, coming from someone with deep roots in both Nigerian and English football, underscores the importance of creating a sustainable and inspiring environment for local and diaspora talent alike.
In her words, “It shouldn’t be a default decision to go elsewhere. Nigeria should be the dream destination, not the backup option.”
The ball is now in the court of the Nigerian football authorities. Will they heed this call and invest in making the Super Eagles and Super Falcons the first choice for the next generation of Nigerian stars? Or will they continue to watch as their brightest prospects wear the jerseys of other nations?
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, with qualifiers already underway, these decisions may prove decisive in shaping the future of Nigerian football — both in performance and pride.
Africa Live News will continue to monitor developments around dual-nationality players and efforts by African federations to secure their services.
