A total of six players have turned down the chance to switch their nationality to Nigeria since Eric Chelle was appointed as head coach, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Chelle has been proactive in approaching players born abroad to commit to the senior national team of Nigeria, and has so far succeeded in bringing two into the fold in Felix Agu of Werder Bremen and Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn Rovers.
However he has recorded failures with some players , starting with Femi Seriki of English Championship side Sheffield United. He was Chelle’s top pick at right back but he declined citing the need to get back to full fitness after injury issues.
Then there was Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor who was clear that his future lies with Italy, despite the fact that he only just became eligible to be handed an Italian passport after turning 18 this year.
Tim Iroegbunam of Everton was prime for a spot in the midfield by Chelle ahead of the AFCON, but the 22 year old asked to be given time before making a decision on his international future.
Then there was George Ilenikhena formerly of AS Monaco and now with Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia. He still remains a target despite turning down the chance to be a part of the team for AFCON.
Although talks are still advancing with Michael Kayode of Brentford, his decision is however tied to if he is called up by coach of Italy Gennaro Gattuso for the upcoming world cup playoff later this month.
The last on the list is Carney Chukwuemeka who has decided to opt for Austria. Chelle went as far as using his close friend Alebiosu to speak with him but the talks ended unsuccessfully.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
