Premier League striker expresses desire to play for Nigeria

Luton Town striker, Elijah Adebayo, has revealed that he would love to play for Nigeria.

Born in Brent, England, Adebayo has never featured at international level but qualifies to play for England or Nigeria.

The 26-year-old has been impressive for promoted Luton, scoring nine goals in 23 Premier League appearance.

On 30 January 2024, Adebayo became the first Luton player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League in a 4–0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

He has scored four goals in his last three games for his side as they continue their fight against relegation.

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Speaking about his international career, he told The Times, in an interview that playing for Nigeria would make his mum happy.

“I would like to play for Nigeria,” he said. “It would make my mum happy, make her proud. That’s something we’ve spoken about.”

He, however, did not rule out the possibility of playing for England.

“Playing for England? It would be a case of whichever comes first. My mum would be proud if I played for Nigeria or England, but Nigeria especially.”

Over the years, players born outside Nigeria have turned up for the country both in the men’s and women’s national team.

The likes of Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Leon Balogun switched their allegiance to play for Nigeria.

At the just concluded AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, the trio of Aina, Troost-Ekong and Lookman made the Team of the Tournament.

Also in the Super Falcons, players like Ashleigh Plumptre, Toni and Nicole Payne, Ifeoma Onumonu decided to switch allegiance to play for Nigeria.

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