Elijah Adebayo picks Nigeria ahead of England
Luton Town’s Elijah Adebayo has been in fine form since the beginning of the 2023-24 English Premier League season, catching the eye of many with his impressive performances.
The 26-year-old forward, who is eligible to represent the Nigerian national team, has expressed his desire to don the green-white-green jersey of Nigeria ahead of his country of birth England.
Adebayo’s standout season for Luton Town has seen him net nine goals in 23 league appearances, including a memorable hat-trick against Brighton that played a key role in lifting his team out of the relegation zone.
His goal-scoring prowess and skillful play have garnered attention from several clubs looking to bolster their squads with his talent. However, amidst the interest, there is a growing sentiment within the Nigerian football community urging Adebayo to choose to represent Nigeria over the Three Lions of England.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Adebayo has acknowledged the significance of representing his ancestral homeland, citing his mother’s pride and happiness as a motivating factor.
The forward said he is open to playing for Nigeria now or in the future, a decision that will make his family proud.
“I ‘would like to play for Nigeria. It would make my mum happy, make her proud. That’s something we’ve spoken about. 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,” Adebayo said, as quoted by Times.
Notably, during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up following a 2-1 defeat to tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the final match, Adebayo’s mother was seen passionately supporting the Super Eagles, as reported by The Athletic.
