Former England International John Fashanu says Arsenal’s teen prospect Chuba Akpom recent romance with the country of his parents Nigeria shows he is willing to pledge his senior international career to the West Africa nation ahead of England.
Akpom has represented England at various youth levels but the Nigeria Football Federation have been trying to woo him since last summer to switch allegiance to the Super Eagles of Nigeria at senior level as he qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father who is a Nigerian,
“Akpom’s recent trip to Nigeria could mean he has made up his mind to dump England for Nigeria at senior international level and from my conversations with people close to him, he is ready to dump England for Nigeria” Fashanu told Owngoalnigeria.com.
Fashanu who tried to lure Dele Alli to play for Nigeria but failed during the England international formative days at MK Dons believes the rise of Akpom’s childhood friend Alex Iwobi to international prominence has played a role in giving Nigeria an edge over England in the race for the 20 year old.
“It’s very normal for Akpom to be motivated to play for Nigeria seeing how far Iwobi has come since he became a full fledge Nigeria international, Iwobi doesn’t even need to convince him as I heard he is a clever lad, so he should know that his future is well secured here”.
Akpom spent last season on loan to Championship side Hull City who were promoted to the English Premier League although he is very much down the pecking order they are reports he will be given a chance to impress with the first team by manager Arsene Wenger.
*Daniel Martins
