It has been six long years since Chuba Akpom, the former Arsenal forward, committed his international future to Nigeria. Yet, despite his pledge, the striker is still waiting for his first Super Eagles call-up.
In an interview with Omasports TV, the PAOK Thessaloniki forward revealed his frustration and unwavering desire to represent Nigeria at the senior level.
“I give 100% every time I step on the pitch, and I’ve been waiting since 2019. I switched allegiances a long time ago, but if it happens, it happens. If not, I’ll just keep working hard,” Akpom stated.
The 28-year-old, who was once a promising talent in Arsenal’s academy, emphasized that playing for Nigeria remains a dream he still hopes to achieve.
“Of course, I’m a Nigerian boy. I would love to play for Nigeria. I just haven’t had the chance to,” he added.
When asked why he has been continuously overlooked by the Super Eagles despite his impressive club form, Akpom admitted that he had no idea.
“I don’t have a clue,” he said. “Maybe because there are a lot of good strikers. But for a nation to progress, it needs to be based on merit. Players that are performing should be selected.”
His remarks highlight a long-standing debate about Nigeria’s selection process, which has often been criticized for favoritism and inconsistency.
Nigeria has repeatedly lost talented players of Nigerian descent to the English national team. Names like Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Eberechi Eze, Dominic Solanke, John Fashanu, and Gabby Agbonlahor all come to mind—players who were eligible for the Super Eagles but ultimately chose to represent England.
For years, Nigerian fans have expressed disappointment at seeing these players wear the Three Lions jersey, believing they could have bolstered the Super Eagles squad. However, Akpom believes the fault does not lie solely with the players but also with Nigeria’s football system.
“When you grow up in England, you play for the youth teams—U16s, U17s, U18s, U19s, all the way up to U21s,” he explained.
“We never had the chance to play for Nigeria at those levels. It’s only when you break into the first team that Nigeria suddenly says, ‘Come and play for us.’
“So, it’s not that these players are switching to England because they don’t want to play for Nigeria—it’s because they never had the opportunity to connect with Nigeria from a young age.”
