Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo named in Canada's World Cup squad alongside Samuel Adekugbe

FORMER Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo has been included in Canada’s 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after he reversed his decision to play for Nigeria and opted for the country of his birth instead.

Born to Nigerian parents in England but raised in Canada, Ugbo was eligible to feature for all three countries. After representing England at the youth level, Ugbo, however, switched his allegiance to Nigeria in September 2021, confessing his love for the Super Eagles but with Nigeria failing to qualify for the World Cup, he has now changed his mind.

With the Canadians making their third World Cup appearance, Ugbo committed his international future to Canada. Ugbo, 24, has since made eight appearances for the Reds and has now been named in the squad for the biggest football fiesta in the world.

Also in the Canadian squad for the World Cup is Samuel Adekugbe, another player of Nigerian descent. Like Ugbo, Adekugbe, 27, was born in England and brought up in Canada by Nigerian parents.

Adekugbe plays as a left-back for Turkish Süper Lig club Hatayspor. Switzerland too has two players of Nigerian descent in its squad, while Arsenal's Bukayo Saka will be featuring for England at the World Cup.