England Moves to Secure West Ham’s Historic Attacker Over Nigeria
The English Football Association is moving swiftly to secure Princess Ademiluyi, a historic forward from West Ham United, aiming to recruit her for the national squad ahead of Nigeria. Ademiluyi, who became the first player from the West Ham United Foundation’s Player Pathway to earn a spot on the senior women’s team, joined Charlton Athletic on a season long loan this July for valuable first-team experience. While she’s yet to score for Charlton, her overall performance has drawn notable attention.
Lauren Smith, head coach of England’s U19 squad, has extended an invitation to Ademiluyi for the Young Lionesses’ friendlies in October, where they will face the Netherlands and Norway. This dual-national forward, eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Falcons through her family heritage, could join England for the UEFA Women's U19 Championship qualifiers next month, potentially becoming provisionally cap tied if she performs well during training camp.
England has already applied similar tactics to other young players with Nigerian heritage, including Omotara Junaid, Chiemela Ude, and Jane Oboavwoduo, securing them as provisional members of England’s youth squads.
Editorial
The race to secure young, dual-national talents like Princess Ademiluyi has highlighted an ongoing trend in international football, where associations act decisively to cap tie promising players. In Princess’s case, her recent call up to England’s U19 team is a testament to her skill and potential to contribute at higher levels. From Nigeria’s perspective, this is a crucial moment to reflect on strategies that could retain such talents, ensuring that these players feel a stronger connection and commitment to representing Nigeria.
The English Football Association is moving swiftly to secure Princess Ademiluyi, a historic forward from West Ham United, aiming to recruit her for the national squad ahead of Nigeria. Ademiluyi, who became the first player from the West Ham United Foundation’s Player Pathway to earn a spot on the senior women’s team, joined Charlton Athletic on a season long loan this July for valuable first-team experience. While she’s yet to score for Charlton, her overall performance has drawn notable attention.
Lauren Smith, head coach of England’s U19 squad, has extended an invitation to Ademiluyi for the Young Lionesses’ friendlies in October, where they will face the Netherlands and Norway. This dual-national forward, eligible to play for Nigeria’s Super Falcons through her family heritage, could join England for the UEFA Women's U19 Championship qualifiers next month, potentially becoming provisionally cap tied if she performs well during training camp.
England has already applied similar tactics to other young players with Nigerian heritage, including Omotara Junaid, Chiemela Ude, and Jane Oboavwoduo, securing them as provisional members of England’s youth squads.
Editorial
The race to secure young, dual-national talents like Princess Ademiluyi has highlighted an ongoing trend in international football, where associations act decisively to cap tie promising players. In Princess’s case, her recent call up to England’s U19 team is a testament to her skill and potential to contribute at higher levels. From Nigeria’s perspective, this is a crucial moment to reflect on strategies that could retain such talents, ensuring that these players feel a stronger connection and commitment to representing Nigeria.