Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has committed his international future to Austria, after FIFA approved his request to switch allegiances.
Chukwuemeka, 22, was born in Austria to Nigerian parents. However, he grew up in England and had been eligible to play for all three nations.
The former Chelsea midfielder then opted to play for England at the youth level, making his debut for the U-17 side in 2019 and going on to also play for them at every other level.
With no senior appearance for the Three Lions, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had been scouting the midfielder and were very impressed with his profile.
He was viewed as a long-term replacement option in midfield and a key figure ahead of the upcoming 2027 African Cup of Nations tournament.
However, he has now chosen to play for Austria instead and is in contention to play at the FIFA World Cup in the summer.
Austria will compete in group J of the World Cup alongside Argentina, Algeria and Jordan, in their first appearance at the showpiece tournament since 1998.
What next for Nigeria after Chukwuemeka snub?
Nigeria had planned to integrate Chukwuemeka into the squad ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, but have now been dealt a major blow in their bid to convince the player.
Attention will now shift to other targets who could still switch allegiances to play for the Super Eagles.
Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo leads the list and could be handed a debut during the March international window.
Other players that are under consideration are Tosin Adarabioyo, Michael Kayode, Justin Njinmah, Lesley Ugochukwu, Ethan Nwaneri, amongst others.
The Super Eagles were due to compete in a four-nation tournament in Jordan later this month alongside Iran and Costa Rica, but the competition is now in doubt after Iran pulled out because of the ongoing Israel–Iran conflict.
