Chuba Akpom [left] and Darnell Furlong [right] are both eligible to play international football away from England
Ipswich Town summer signings Chuba Akpom and Darnell Furlong are uncapped at senior international level, but they are both eligible to pursue unique opportunities if they wish to do so.
Akpom, who is spending the campaign on loan at Portman Road from Ajax with an obligation to buy if promotion is secured, has featured for England up to Under-21 level. However, he is yet to feature for the Three Lions’ senior side, leaving the door open for him to represent Nigeria instead.
In an interview with BBC Sport back in 2019, he explained: “I’m Nigerian and my whole family feel very Nigerian, and it will be nice to represent Nigeria.”
The Super Eagles still have a chance of reaching the World Cup. Sitting third in Group C, they know that a win against leaders Benin tonight will guarantee a play-off spot, with automatic qualification up for grabs if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda.
If that does happen, Akpom could look to work his way into Eric Chelle’s plans ahead of next summer’s tournament in North America.
“They made me do the passport stuff,” he revealed.
“My agent has been in contact with the manager, stuff like that. They have always liked me.
“If I was to get called up, it would be an honour, of course.”
Furlong, however, won’t be at next summer’s World Cup regardless of results.
He is able to represent Montserrat – who finished fourth of the five teams in their CONCACAF qualifying group – due to his grandfather, who currently lives on the neighbouring island of Antigua.
At this stage, an international career isn’t something he’s looking to pursue.
“To be honest, I’m not sure,” he admitted when asked about the prospect of a call-up. “I haven’t really thought about that in a long time.
“At the moment, it’s just about focusing on my club career and seeing how things go. The Championship is one of the toughest leagues in the world in my opinion, physically and mentally.
“It’s nice to be able to focus on my club football at the moment.”
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