Former England international and Chelsea star Eniola Aluko has explained why she opted to represent the Three Lionesses instead of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, despite being born in Lagos to Nigerian parents.
Aluko, who earned over 100 caps for the England national team before retiring in 2016, made the revelation during her appearance on The Obi One Podcast hosted by ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel.
“I get asked this a lot. The difference between me and Sone is that he had a choice. I didn’t really have a choice,” Aluko said, referring to her brother Sone Aluko, who played for Nigeria.
No Visible Opportunity With Nigeria
According to Eniola, when she began her football journey as a teenager, Nigeria’s women’s team was not a visible or accessible option, and the infrastructure for women’s football was still in its infancy.
“I first got into the England youth teams when I was 14 and this is when women’s football was just not what it is now, like there was no level of investment,” she explained.
“The Nigerian national team wasn’t a thing, I didn’t even know it was an option to be honest. When you play in England, being in the national team is an immediate option.”
Proud of Her Achievements
Aluko, who also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games, remains proud of her time with England and doesn’t regret the decision, despite criticism from some Nigerians.
“I get a lot of stick as well from Nigerians. I can’t reverse the decision but I am very proud of playing for England. I’m very proud of what I achieved. I got 104 caps over 11 years.”
Despite her choice, Aluko expressed support for Nigeria and her brother’s international career:
“I supported my brother playing for Nigeria. I went to a few games of his, I remember going to Egypt to watch him play and obviously I support Nigeria.”
A Trailblazer for Women’s Football
During her eight-year stint at Chelsea, Aluko became the club’s all-time top scorer with 68 goals in 158 appearances, a record later broken by Fran Kirby in December 2020. She remains one of the most influential figures in English women’s football history.
Eni Aluko offers an insight into how clubs and manager negotiate football transfers behind the scene. pic.twitter.com/rjhGcAMRh5
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) August 1, 2025
