Eze drops huge statement about international future

Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze has refused to rule out playing for three-time African champions Nigeria’s Super Eagles, according to reports coming out of England.

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.

“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 has settled into life as a Premier League player by Palace boss Roy Hodgson since his £19.5million switch from QPR over the summer.

But, after he netted his first Palace goal in Saturday’s 4-1 win over Leeds, Eze admits he is learning at a rapid rate under Hodgson.

“At Palace, I’m learning a lot every day,” he said. “You’re put into a position where you have to learn quickly. I feel like I’m doing that, not only from the manager but the players in the team.

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“It’s a brilliant opportunity and I’m very grateful. Defensively I’m having to be a lot more aware and playing in two banks of four and being able to cope.

“As a player, that’s not always been in my game, but I’m learning and I’m picking it up,” Eze was quoted as saying by Evening Standard.

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