A Chelsea star has denied claims that he turned down an opportunity to represent one of Africa's footballing giants.
Switching national team allegiance has become increasingly common, with several well-known players opting to represent countries other than those of their birth.
Real Madrid’s new signing from Bournemouth, Dean Huijsen, chose to represent Spain during the March international break, despite having previously played for his birth country, the Netherlands, at youth level.
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Another Real player, Brahim Diaz, made a similar decision, switching from Spain to Morocco.
This trend has also become more prevalent in Africa, with players such as Axel Tuanzebe, Tariq Lamptey, Houssem Aouar, Inaki Williams, and Ademola Lookman — the reigning CAF Men’s Player of the Year, all making international switches.
Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo is among those frequently linked with a potential switch from his country of birth, England, to Nigeria, where his parents come from.
The centre-back, who has represented England at youth level, was asked about his international future during a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League triumph on Wednesday.
"I never refused Nigeria and I never had a conversation with them to tell them that I would not go to Nigeria," the 27-year-old said, according to AfricaFootUnited.com.
"At the end of last season, we had a little chat, and I told them I wanted to focus on the club. I was in my last year at Fulham."
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By Lukhanyo Mtuta
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