Eniola Aluko Explains Choosing England After Criticism from Nigerians

Retired Chelsea and England forward Eniola Aluko has addressed the national identity controversy surrounding her career, stating that she received criticism from Nigerians for playing for England rather than Nigeria. Born in Lagos, Aluko explained that she never really considered representing the Super Falcons, as the opportunity wasn’t visible or accessible during her youth.

Aluko earned over 100 caps for England and featured for Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics, yet shared that the decision to represent England “was never entirely hers to make.” She revealed she was introduced into England’s youth teams at 14 and that Nigerian women’s football offered limited pathways at the time.

Despite her success, including becoming Chelsea Women’s all-time top scorer at one point, she continues to field criticism from Nigerians who believe she should have opted to play for her country of birth. She expressed no regret over her decision, but acknowledged the ongoing scrutiny.

Editorial

We understand Eniola Aluko’s candid reflection strikes at deeper issues in women’s football identity, opportunity, and visibility. When she came through, the Super Falcons and Nigerian women’s football lacked infrastructure, media reach, and clear pathways. England, by contrast, offered structure and attention to talent.

Her story underscores a vital truth: representation must be more than legal eligibility it must feel attainable. Aluko didn’t choose England out of indifference to Nigeria. She chose it because it was the only path she saw. That reality should compel Nigerian football administrators to build systems so that daughters born abroad can confidently envision representing their ancestral homeland.

We believe Aluko’s openness about criticism, identity and choice is courageous. She’s being honest about what globalisation and imperfect system alignment can do. If she had emerged today, in an era of social media, women’s leagues and dual-national outreach, perhaps the path to the Super Falcons would have been clearer.

Ultimately, she is proud of her achievements with England and supportive of her brother Sone Aluko’s choice to play for Nigeria. That dual loyalty is not a betrayal it’s a nuanced reality many diaspora players face today.

Eniola Aluko’s reflections are both personal and instructive. They remind us that dreams flourish in structures, and that talent alone is not enough without opportunity. It’s time for Nigerian women’s football to build visible bridges—not retroactive regret.

Did You Know?

1. Eniola Aluko scored 68 goals in 158 appearances for Chelsea Women, becoming the club’s top scorer until her record was surpassed in 2020.
2. She represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, starting in all four matches for the host nation.
3. Although born in Lagos, Aluko moved to England at a young age and was scouted into youth teams by age 14, long before women’s football in Nigeria was widely supported.
4. Her brother, Sone Aluko, also born in Lagos, opted to represent Nigeria at senior international level—highlighting differing pathways in heritage representation.
5. Despite retiring in 2020, Aluko remains engaged with Nigerian football, attending games and mentoring female players across the diaspora.