Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori has revealed that Nigeria never made a concerted effort to convince him to switch national allegiances prior to his international call-up for England.
The 21-year-old was selected in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad for Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria earlier this month.
Tomori’s parents are of Nigerian descent while he is also eligible for Canada having been born in Calgary, representing them three times at Under-20s level.
His breakthrough into Chelsea’s first-team under Frank Lampard this seasson sparked a scramble to secure his international future but Tomori insisted he had no contact with Nigeria prior to accepting Southgate’s call.
“England called me up in September, and I didn’t get a call up from anyone and when they called me up, it was hard to say no to them,” he said.
“But I enjoy Nigerian music, I’m Nigerian, it’s my culture and I’m very proud of it.”
Tomori will look to continue his fine form as the Blues travel to Burnley on Saturday aiming to extend their record of six consecutive victories in all competitions.
N’Golo Kante is a major doubt with a groin injury but Ross Barkley (ankle) could be available.
