Heartbreak As Super Eagles Set To Lose Chelsea’s Nigeria Eligible Midfielder

• Those in charge of Austrian football are ready to convince Chelsea player Carney Chukwuemeka to play for them
• The 19-year-old midfielder was born in Austria to Nigerian parents, and he is eligible to play for his country of birth and the West African nation
• However, he grew up in England which qualifies him also to choose the Three-Lions if he wants to play for them on international level

The Nigerian Football Federation are now on the verge of missing out on getting the international allegiance of Chelsea youngster, Carney Chukwuemeka, who is now being courted by Austria - the country of his birth.

Over the years, Nigeria has lost some players who were eligible to play for the three-time African champions but chose other nations due to personal reasons.

When Amaju Pinnick was the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, he tried to convince the duo of Tammy Abraham, Bukayo Saka and Fikayo Tomori, but they all snubbed playing for the former African champions.

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According to the latest report on Pulse, Chukwuemeka is eligible to play for Nigeria, Austria and England.

How is this possible?

Chukwuemeka is of Igbo descent in Nigeria. He was born in Austria to Nigerian parents and then later moved and was raised in England.

As things stand, the Chelsea star can choose to represent any of these three countries.

The report on talkSPORT, states that the 19-year-old is interested in England or Austria and not Nigeria.

Sports Brief spoke to Chairman of Kwara State Sports Writers Association, Ayodeji Ismail, who claimed that he would be happy for the NFF chiefs to try their best.

Statement made by Ismail

''It has always been difficult when it comes to the NFF convincing players born in Europe to play for Nigeria, but Carney is a good player, and I would be glad if we can get him to play for Eagles.''

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Why Chelsea signed Chukwuemeka, Fofana

Earlier, Sports Brief had reported how Roman Abramovich's tenure at Chelsea was marked by robust achievements. The Russian oligarch sold the club having won all the available trophies to him.

Abramovich's preferred method, though divisive, was 'fire and hire' on the spot - as soon as a manager showed a slight dip in form, he was gone, and it didn't matter if they were as celebrated as Jose Mourinho or Ancelotti.

But with Todd Boehly, one of the current co-controlling owners, came the term which is often referred to as 'trusting the process.' The American has been vocal about the kind of system he wants to adopt at Chelsea and his plans are already in full swing.