Local media went viral with reports that Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are switching allegiance from England and France to Nigeria.
However, BBC journalist Shina Okeleji shared an unofficial reaction from a source at the Nigerian Football Federation on his handle, calling the news false.
The report revealed that both players made a 31-man provisional list by new coach, Eric Chelle for World Cup qualifiers.
A top NFF official has denied reports that Carney Chukwuemeka & Lesley Ugochukwu have submitted their papers for a switch of nationality to represent Nigeria.
He said “Only a federation can apply on behalf of players if they intend to switch, news circulating now is fake news” pic.twitter.com/Vokx4Yg43Z
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) February 7, 2025
Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu play for Chelsea but are out on loan to Southampton and Borussia Dortmund respectively.
The Process Of Switching Allegiance
The FIFA Guide to Submitting a Request for the Change of Eligibility or Change of Association is FIFA’s legal framework for players’ nationality change.
The guide outlines how players can submit eligibility requests or change of association to the Players’ Status Committee (PSC) based on nationality, stateless status, or previous participation in official competitions. It specifies the conditions, such as age limitations and required documentation.
The process involves submission by the new association, a review by the FIFA general secretariat, decision-making by the PSC, and the possibility of appeal. Each step requires specific documentation, and a player can’t compete until PSC reaches a decision.
Several documents are needed based on the type of request. These include valid identification, proof of nationality, statements regarding residency, and letters from associations confirming non-participation in past competitions. Specific requirements vary for stateless players and refugees.
What The Law Says on Eligibility
Article 5 (1) of the FIFA Guide stipulates:
“Any person holding a permanent nationality that is not dependent on residence in a certain country is eligible to play for the representative teams of the association of that country.”
The FIFA Guide provides in the succeeding (2) for a distinction between holding a nationality and being eligible to obtain a nationality. A player holds a nationality if, through the operation of a national law, they have:
(a) automatically received a nationality (e.g., from birth) without requiring to undertake any further administrative requirements (e.g., abandoning a separate nationality) or
(b) acquired a nationality by undertaking a naturalization process.
Switching Allegiances Despite Playing International Matches
Furthermore, FIFA clarified how players can switch after playing less than three international matches.
- Played in a match in an official competition at “A” international level in any kind of football for their current association
- At the time of being fielded for their first match in an official competition (at any level) in any kind of football for his current association, they held the nationality of the association which he wished to represent
- Had not turned 21 years old at the time of playing their last match in an official competition in any kind of football for their current association.
- Played in no more than three matches at “A” international level in any kind of football for their current association, whether in an official competition or non-official competition
- At least three years since playing their last match at “A” international level in any kind of football for their current association, whether in an official competition or non-official competition
- Has never participated in any kind of football at “A” international level in the final tournament of the FIFA World Cup or a final tournament of a confederation competition.
