Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze has refused to rule out playing for three-time African champions Nigeria, a statement that will certainly please many Super Eagles fans.

Last year, Nigeria Football Federation boss Amaju Pinnick  held discussions with Eze over switching his international allegiance and turning out for the Nigeria national team but the player requested to be given time to make his decision as he wants to focus on his club career.

The 22-year-old played non-binding games for England U20s before playing competitively for the U21 squad – earning three caps in total in U21 EURO qualifiers against Albania, Andorra and Turkey.

Though Eze has hinted that he may decide to represent the Super Eagles, the former Queens Park Rangers playmaker has stressed that he is focused on the England U21 team at the moment.

In quotes carried by Evening Standard, Eze stated : “I can [still play for Nigeria]. At the moment, I’m focused on my England Under-21 camp.

“I don’t want to put any type of pressure on myself and try to force anything now.

“I’m focused on the Under-21s, playing for the Under-21s, training, trying to play as many games as I can, and I think that’s the most important thing right now for my development.”

Eze will be hoping to add to his international caps for England U21s on Friday when they face Andorra in an U21 Euro qualifier at Molineux Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel