Ajax forward Chuba Akpom has voiced his frustration over his prolonged exclusion from the Super Eagles, challenging the selection process and stressing that national team call-ups should be awarded on merit.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Akpom represented his country of birth at various youth levels, featuring for England’s U-16, U-17, U-19, U-20, and U-21 teams.
In 2019, he opted to switch allegiance to Nigeria, but despite his decision, a senior national team call-up has continued to elude him.
Two seasons ago, Akpom delivered an outstanding campaign for Middlesbrough in the English Championship, scoring 28 goals and providing two assists in 40 appearances.
However, even with his impressive form, he remained overlooked by the Super Eagles selectors.
Akpom opens up on Super Eagles snub and national team ambitions
In a recent interview with journalist Oma Akatugba, Chuba Akpom opened up about his continued exclusion from the Super Eagles, questioning the selection process and emphasising that call-ups should be based on merit.
“I don’t have a clue why I have not been invited to the Super Eagles, maybe because there are a lot of top strikers, of course,” he said.
“But I think that for the nation to progress, it needs to be on merit. The players that are performing well need to be selected.
“I try to give 100 percent, I’ve been waiting since 2019, I switched allegiances a long time ago. But if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, I’ll just keep working hard.”
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old, who signed for the Dutch giants in August 2023, is reportedly on the verge of securing a loan move to French side LOSC Lille for the remainder of the season, with an option for a permanent transfer.
