Eni Aluko Urges NFF to Improve Football Standards to Attract Dual-Nationality Players

Former Chelsea and England international, Eni Aluko, has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to raise the standard of Nigerian football in order to attract more dual-nationality players to represent the country at the international level.

Speaking in a recent interview on Spotify, Aluko emphasized the need for Nigeria to become a first-choice destination, rather than a fallback option, for players eligible to represent multiple countries.

She highlighted the importance of professionalism, investment, and structural improvements within the Nigerian football system.

“England is England. Most players who grow up here and later opt to play for their country of heritage often do so because they believe their chances of playing for England are slim. That shouldn’t be the reality,” Aluko said.

“The responsibility lies with the country. Nigeria must present itself as an attractive and competitive option. There are still key issues ranging from organization and funding to overall professionalism that need to be urgently addressed.”

“It’s essential that the Nigerian federation becomes a viable and desirable choice, not just an alternative,” she added.

Aluko, whose brother Sone Aluko played for the Super Eagles, also praised the growing presence of foreign-born or foreign-trained talent in Nigeria’s national teams.

The Super Falcons now feature players such as Ashleigh Plumptre, Jennifer Echegini, Michelle Alozie, and Toni Payne, while the Super Eagles boast names like Ademola Lookman, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Joe Aribo.

Her remarks come at a time when global competition for talent among football federations is becoming increasingly fierce, and many countries are looking inward to tap into their diaspora for sporting excellence.