Chelsea teenager Adrian Akande has chosen to represent Nigeria over England and is set to link up with the Under 17s for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Akande, who has impressed in west London and turns 16 later this year, is English but wanted to play for the country of his parents.
Formerly of Crystal Palace, Akande has recently been watched by Golden Eagles coach Manu Garba and did enough to warrant a call up.
Nigeria face hosts Tanzania on April 14 before then facing Angolo three days later. They finish their group against Uganda on April 20.
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Europe’s elite clubs traditionally send scouts to their tournament, with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Ajax having been credited with interest in Akande in the Nigerian media.
‘Adrian has been called for five England camps and has rejected all of them in hope of playing for Nigeria,’ agent Tobi Alabi told allnigeriasoccer.com.