Heartbreak for Chelle: Austria launch aggressive move to snatch Super Eagles-eligible midfielder from Nigeria

The Super Eagles' recruitment plans have been dealt a significant blow as Austria have launched a shock bid to hijack Carney Chukwuemeka from Nigeria’s grasp. 

The Austrian Football Association (OFB) has reportedly made contact with the 22-year-old midfielder in a move that threatens to derail the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) long-standing interest in the Borussia Dortmund star.

Chukwuemeka, a former England youth international, qualifies for Austria through birth. He has emerged as a "priority target" for the OFB as they look to bolster their ranks ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The NFF is now left scrambling to secure his commitment. While Chukwuemeka, rated amongst the best Christian footballers, has been on Nigeria's radar for some time, Austria’s aggressive pursuit has complicated matters. 

Sources close to the player have revealed he is "seriously considering" representing the European nation over the Super Eagles, according to a report from The Athletic.

Born in Austria to Nigerian parents, Chukwuemeka lived there before moving to England and becoming a British citizen. Though he renounced his Austrian citizenship during that process, the report notes:

"Chukwuemeka, who is also eligible to play for France, renounced his Austrian citizenship as part of that process, but is able to have it reinstated, as the decision was made for him when he was a minor," the report stated.

The central midfielder has enjoyed a productive season in the Bundesliga since joining Dortmund from Chelsea last summer. He has netted three goals in 26 appearances across all competitions, including six starts in the Bundesliga.

His form has clearly caught the eye of former Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who now leads the Austrian national team. Under Rangnick, Austria enjoyed a dominant qualifying campaign, finishing top of Group H ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Romania.

Should Austria successfully convince Chukwuemeka to switch allegiances, he could find himself on the plane to North America this summer. Austria is scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign in California on June 16.

The NFF now faces a race against time to convince the Dortmund playmaker that his international future lies in the green and white of Nigeria before the Austrian "hijack" is finalised.