In a major breakthrough for Nigerian football, the NFF has convinced prolific Chelsea striker Chizaram “Chizzy” Ezenwata to switch allegiance from England, boosting the Flying Eagles ahead of the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has secured a significant coup by persuading highly-rated Chelsea youth striker Chizaram Ezenwata to pledge his international future to Nigeria, ending speculation over whether he would represent England or Cameroon.
Born in London in 2008, Ezenwata, fondly known as “Chizzy”, was eligible for three nations: Nigeria through his father, former Gombe United star Ndubuisi Ezenwata; Cameroon via his mother; and England, where he grew up. The 17-year-old has already featured prominently for England’s U17 side, making four appearances and scoring twice, including a debut goal against Malta in a European Championship qualifier in October 2024.
Despite the strong interest from the English FA, the NFF has successfully convinced the teenage sensation to don the green and white. Under FIFA rules, youth-level players are allowed to switch allegiances, and Ezenwata has accepted a call-up to join Nigeria’s Flying Eagles. He is expected to report to camp in Abuja on Monday, August 18, where head coach Aliyu Zubairu will assess his readiness for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup squad. Zubairu and his scouts have been hunting for a reliable goal scorer following the team’s struggles in front of goal at the recent WAFU B U20 Boys Cup.
Ezenwata’s decision comes just months after he visited the Super Eagles’ camp in West London on May 29, 2025. During the visit, he was warmly welcomed by head coach Eric Chelle and senior team players, with discussions centered on his potential role for Nigeria’s youth or Olympic sides.
He is not the only dual-national striker set to bolster the Flying Eagles, as River Plate youth forward Jonathan Spiff Asuzu has also agreed to train with the squad. With Ezenwata’s commitment, Nigeria has landed one of Europe’s most promising teenage forwards, a move that could significantly strengthen the Flying Eagles’ attack ahead of the World Cup.
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