Full List Of Nigerians Who Chose to Play for England’s Three Lions (PHOTOS)

July 14, 2021

Despite reported interest from both Canada and Nigeria, the Chelsea centre-back made his England debut in 2019.

Even though his six-minute showing came in a competitive fixture, he remains eligible for the Super Eagles due to the recent Fifa change to eligibility rules.

#7 Tammy Abraham

Another recent entry—and a controversial one at that—Abraham appeared close to committing to the Super Eagles, particularly after NFF President Amaju Pinnick revealed that he was on the brink of choosing Nigeria for his future.

Ultimately, the Chelsea striker chose England, and while he has four caps to date, the presence of the likes of Harry Kane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Marcus Rashford threatens to reduce his potential international impact with the Three Lions.

He was not in the reckoning for the Euro 2020 squad.

#6 Carlton Cole

The ex-Chelsea frontman acknowledged that he was approached by Nigeria, and was tempted by the prospect of playing alongside his hero, Nwankwo Kanu.

“I was called up by Nigeria last season but Chelsea told me that it was in my best interests not to go,” the former striker said last year. “I could have been playing alongside Kanu. I look up to him as one of the best players in the world.

“My father is Nigerian and my mother comes from Sierra Leone but I’ve never been a follower of Nigeria and my interest in African football is only occasional.

“I was born in England and consider that to be my country so I want to play for them.”

Cole ended his England career with seven appearances, all from the bench.

John Fashanu

Towering, powerful striker who was a cult hero with unfashionable Wimbledon during their halcyon days at the top of the English game.

His international career, potentially due to the intense competition, was relatively brief, with two appearances a scant return for such a talented and unique frontman.

Following his retirement, Fashanu expressed regret that he hadn’t turned out for the Super Eagles instead.

“The fact is that I really wanted to play for Nigeria and I came home on three occasions but the coach said I was not good enough to make his team, and so never selected me except for one friendly match against China where I was an unused substitute,” Fashanu told Goal.

“So, it was never my fault at all and it pained me so much that I never played for my country.”