Borussia Dortmund midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who is eligible to play for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, is reportedly close to switching his international allegiance to Austria, Soccernet.ng reports.
This dealt a blow to the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s hopes of recruiting the midfielder ahead of the 2026 campaign.
According to a report by The Athletic, the Austrian Football Association (ÖFB) is actively working on an agreement that would see Chukwuemeka represent Austria at the senior level.
The 22-year-old has represented England up to the Under-20 level and was part of the England U19 team that won the 2022 European Championship, but he has not played for England’s senior team, which leaves him eligible to change nationality under FIFA rules.
Born in Eisenstadt, Austria, to Nigerian parents, Chukwuemeka spent his early childhood in Austria before relocating to Northampton, England, where he later became a British citizen.
Austria move deals blow to Super Eagles hopes
Chukwuemeka’s eligibility for Nigeria had long kept him on the Super Eagles’ radar, with a section of the Nigerian football community hoping the former Aston Villa and Chelsea midfielder could strengthen Nigeria’s midfield options in the future.
However, Austria’s push appears to be advancing in securing his switch, with the country keen to have him in time for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Now settled in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Chukwuemeka has been enjoying regular football in the Bundesliga after leaving Chelsea, which has boosted his profile and made him a key target for Austria’s national team project.
Nigerian cultural connection at Dortmund
Chukwuemeka’s Nigerian roots recently came into focus at the club level through his relationship with teammate Felix Nmecha, who is also of Igbo descent.
Speaking on their shared heritage, Nmecha said:
“I was speaking to [Chukwuemeka] about it — I think we’ve never had two Igbo players playing for Dortmund at the same time before.
“I’m very connected and close to where I come from. My dad’s obviously Igbo, and we share that passion for our people. It’s nice to have another Igbo and Nigerian player to play together with — the connection is strong.
“I’m very, very connected, just in the sense of the music, the food. I try to learn a few words here and there, but I think I need to learn a bit more.”
Despite those cultural ties to Nigeria, Austria now look set to win the race for his international future, with the ÖFB accelerating talks to complete his switch before any senior appearance for England or Nigeria can be made.
