Chelsea Academy product explains decision to choose Canada over Nigeria for the coming World Cup.

 The Chelsea academy product has revealed his decision to play for Canada over Nigeria. 

Former Chelsea product, Ike Ugbo has decided to represent the Canadian National team ahead of the coming World Cup instead of Nigeria. 

Ugbo had always spoken passionately of his desire to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the coming World Cup, saying his Dad always wanted him to play for Nigeria:

“I know I could wait, but I felt, when there are big competitions coming up, I want to make my name,” he said.

“Who knows, I could end up at the World Cup next year.

“Dad always wanted me to play for Nigeria because that’s where he was born and brought up. That’s one thing he would love.” Ugbo said last year. 

However, the Genk striker has made a U-turn and has decided to play for Canada with the Canada National team already announcing his decision to represent them at the international level on November 4th. 

In late 2020, Ugbo started the process of filing a one-time change of association from England to Nigeria which was necessary as he previously played competitive matches for England U17 national team. 

According to According to The Athletic UK, Ugbo hesitated with his decision saying now that "he never heard from then-Nigeria national team coach Gernot Rohr throughout the process".

He added : "And I never grew up in Nigeria, either".

Ike Ugbo

The Genk striker, who is a product of Chelsea’s academy, was born in England to a Nigerianfather. 

He represented the Three Lions at the youth level, winning the U-20 Toulon tournament in 2017.

The youngster is in the Canada squad that will face Costa Rica and Mexico in the final round of Concacaf FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Crd; [ All Nigerian Soccer & Soccer.net]