Revealed! What Victor Osimhen told Super Eagles hopeful Chuba Akpom about Nigeria call-up

By Monsurah Olatunji

Lille forward Chuba Akpom has shared the advice he received from Victor Osimhen regarding his chances of receiving a call-up to the Nigerian national team under new head coach Eric Chelle.

Akpom, who was born in London to Nigerian parents, has represented England at youth and under-21 levels. Despite this, the striker remains hopeful of representing Nigeria, having switched his international allegiance to the Super Eagles in 2019.

With the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) set to announce the squad for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month, Akpom is eager to see if his impressive performances can earn him a place in the team.

The Arsenal academy graduate enjoyed a standout season in 2022/23, scoring 28 goals and providing 2 assists for Middlesbrough.

He has continued his form this season, netting eight goals before leaving Ajax in the January transfer window.

In a post shared by journalist Oluwashina Okeleji on X, Akpom revealed the details of his conversation with Osimhen.

The Napoli striker told him that new coach Eric Chelle will select players based on their performances in training and for their clubs.

“I was just speaking to Victor Osimhen about it after our game against Galatasaray,” Akpom said.

“There are a lot of good strikers in the team, but I believe the national team should always be picked on merit.

“Victor said the new coach has the mentality that if you’re not performing in training or playing well for your club, you won’t get selected. I’m always open to it—if I get the call-up, it’ll be an honour.”

Akpom remains hopeful that his club performances will catch the attention of the coach and that he will earn his first Super Eagles call-up.