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By: Johnny Edward
England-born Luton Town players of Nigerian descent, Gabriel Osho and Elijah Adebayo, are both open to playing for Nigeria at international level, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Both players were born in England to Nigerian parents but have never made any appearance at international level despite being eligible to play for England and Nigeria.
They have been outstanding for Luton Town, who are battling to stay in the Premier League after gaining promotion to England’s topflight division for the first time in the club’s history in 2023.
For Adebayo, Luton Town’s top scorer with nine goals in 23 Premier League games, is one of the surprise stars of the EPL season and a key player in Luton’s battle to avoid the drop.
The 26-year-old striker scored against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea and made history becoming the first Luton Town player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League when he spearheaded their 4-0 rout of Brighton and Hove Albion in January.
Irish international of Nigerian descent, Chidozie Ogbene, scored the other goal in the famous win.
Speaking on where his international future lied, Adebayo told The Times, “I would like to play for Nigeria.
“It would make my mum happy, make her proud. That’s something we’ve spoken about.
“Playing for England? It would be a case of whichever comes first. My mum would be proud if I played for Nigeria or England, but Nigeria especially.”
Osho, on his part, has made 14 Premier League appearances for the Hatters, helping them to four wins, three draws and two clean sheets.
Meanwhile, UK-based David Doherty, who contested the presidency of the Nigeria Football Federation at last year’s election, added that both players were open to playing for Nigeria.
“Let us make it clear here once and for all, Gabriel Osho and Elijah Adebayo have always been open and committed to the Nigeria project and there has not been interest or move from England for the duo,” Doherty wrote on Instagram.
“Osho and Adebayo are both guaranteed for Nigeria from age 16 and nothing has ever changed since then. Osho has always been open to Naija, no doubt.”
If they eventually switch allegiance to Nigeria, Adebayo and Osho will follow the path taken by the likes of Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman and Leon Balogun.
Luton are currently 17th in the EPL table and are just a point away from the relegation spot with Everton closely behind them.
The Hatters will face Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday aimng end their three game winless run in the EPL.