Carney Chukwuemeka snubs Nigeria, chooses Austria ahead of World Cup

2026-02-11 - 19:28

Former Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has entered shock talks to switch his international allegiance to Austria in a late bid to play at this summer’s World Cup. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, 22, previously represented England at youth level and was part of the squad that won the 2022 UEFA Under-19 European Championship. Chukwuemeka is also eligible to play for France and Nigeria. According to The Athletic, the Austrian Football Association is working on an agreement that would allow Chukwuemeka to change his national allegiance before the tournament. The midfielder, who has scored three goals in 26 appearances for Dortmund this season, is eligible to represent Austria because he was born in Eisenstadt and spent his early childhood there before moving to Northampton in England. Chukwuemeka is currently behind the likes of Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson in the England pecking order. He renounced his Austrian citizenship while becoming a British citizen but can have it reinstated, as the decision was made when he was a minor. The former Aston Villa and Chelsea player is also eligible to represent France. Austria, coached by former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, qualified for the World Cup ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania. They will face defending champions Argentina, Jordan and Algeria in the group stage. Chukwuemeka, who managed two goals in 32 appearances for Chelsea, is reportedly keen to fast-track the switch as he pushes for regular international football, while also seeking a permanent move to Dortmund after a loan spell last season. Vanguard News