By
Arinze Izik

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has persuaded a former England youth international to change allegiance and play for Nigeria, hardtalkinternationalmagazine.com_ can exclusively report.

Chelle and the player’s agent have held discussions since last season about the move. The player initially asked for time to decide and later postponed the nationality switch during the summer to focus on his club career. He has since completed a transfer to another team in a top European league.

According to sources familiar with the process, the player has already submitted his documents to FIFA to change associations. He has also applied for a Nigerian passport and is hoping to get clearance before the end of the year.

Officials close to Chelle declined to name the player publicly, citing the need to protect ongoing relationships and maintain trust within the setup.

The forward/midfielder represented England at various junior levels but has now opted to pursue his senior international career with Nigeria. He joins a growing list of England youth products who have switched to the Super Eagles in recent times, including goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Femi Azeez, Emmanuel Fernandez, Chibuzo Nwoko and Owen Oseni.