West Ham United loanee Princess Ademiluyi, eligible to represent Nigeria, is now provisionally tied to England after her debut for the Young Lionesses in a European Women’s Under19 Championship qualifier. The Charlton Athletic striker, wearing jersey number 16, came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute during England’s 2-1 win over Turkey.
Ademiluyi previously impressed with two assists in a friendly against the Netherlands and has since become a regular call up for England’s youth squad. Her competitive debut means she would need to apply for a one-time association change to play for Nigeria in the future.
The English Football Association has aggressively recruited players eligible for Nigeria, including Arsenal’s Omotara Junaid and Chiemela Ude, and Manchester City’s Jane Oboavwoduo. Notably, Super Falcons players Ashleigh Plumptre and Rinsola Babajide also transitioned to Nigeria after early careers with England youth teams.
Editorial
Princess Ademiluyi’s provisional cap for England raises critical questions about the talent retention strategies of the Nigerian Football Federation. With several Super Falcons eligible players now representing England at youth levels, the need for proactive recruitment cannot be overstated. The talents of players like Ademiluyi could strengthen Nigeria’s squad, yet the nation risks losing future stars to better-organised associations.
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We must prioritise creating a robust pathway for dual-nationality players, showcasing not just opportunities but also the pride of representing Nigeria. Collaboration with players’ families, coaches, and clubs is vital to ensure that talents with Nigerian heritage feel welcomed and valued.
While the allure of playing for a football giant like England is understandable, Nigeria offers a legacy of resilience, passion, and opportunity on a global stage. It’s time to act decisively to keep our brightest talents wearing green and white.
Did You Know?
- FIFA rules allow players to switch national teams once if they have only played youth level competitive matches.
- Princess Ademiluyi was born in Gravesend, England, but remains eligible for Nigeria due to her ancestry.
- England’s women’s football team is ranked among the top nations globally, providing strong developmental structures.
- Nigeria has previously benefited from talent switches, including Victor Moses and Ola Aina in the men’s game.
- The Super Falcons hold the record for the most African Women’s Cup of Nations titles, with 11 championships.
