Sources: Chelsea’s Chukwuemeka, Ugochukwu haven’t applied to play for Eagles

Chelsea FC’s Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu have not submitted papers to switch their international allegiance from England and France to Nigeria, TheCable understands.

On Friday, there were reports that the two midfielders had begun the process of nationality switch.

The stories claimed that the duo would be included in the Super Eagles squad for the 2026 World Cup qualification games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.

However, an insider within the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) informed TheCable that the reports are “not true”.

The source said the certified protocol for determining a footballer’s nationality switch is solely the federation’s responsibility, and the NFF has not initiated the process for Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu.

The Insider added that the two players were not invited for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers.

“This is not true. How is it possible that two players will just change allegiance without following the proper protocol or procedures to do that?” the source told TheCable.

“There are steps to be taken for a player to change his allegiance, and this might take a while.

“But I can confirm to you that these two players were not sent any invitation for the Rwanda, Eagles World Cup game.”

Chukwuemeka was born in Austria to parents of Nigerian heritage. He grew up in England and represented the country on several age-grade teams. He joined Chelsea in 2022 and is currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Ugochukwu, a defensive midfielder, was born in France to Nigerian parents. He played for the French national youth team and was signed by Chelsea in 2023.

The 20-year-old is a nephew to Onyekachi Apam, a former Super Eagles defender.