Former Nigeria-eligible midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka has officially been named in Austria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to long-standing discussions surrounding his international future.
Born in Vienna to Nigerian parents before relocating to England as a child, the talented 22-year-old midfielder completed a late nationality switch earlier this year after receiving FIFA approval in March.
The decision immediately opened the door for his Austria debut, and the midfielder wasted no time making his mark on the international stage.
Chukwuemeka scored on his debut appearance against Ghana before featuring again in another international fixture against South Korea.
Speaking about his memorable debut goal, Chukwuemeka expressed his excitement about representing Austria- Sports247 reports
“It’s a fantastic feeling. Not many words can describe this moment,” he said.
“When the ball hit the back of the net, I couldn’t believe it. I want to do it all over again immediately. I’ve felt incredibly welcome here.
We got off to a great start, scored early, and just kept going. It feels more like a family than a team.”
The midfielder’s rapid development has also continued at club level with Borussia Dortmund, where he has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season.
His performances in domestic and European competitions have drawn praise from football observers across Europe, with his creativity, dribbling ability, and attacking versatility standing out.
Austria head coach Ralf Rangnick also praised the midfielder while discussing his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
“He is a dribbling, skillful player who scores important goals from wide areas,” Rangnick stated.
Austria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the country’s first appearance at the tournament since 1998.
They have been drawn in Group J alongside Argentina national football team, Algeria national football team, and Jordan national football team.
Chukwuemeka’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement and quality to Austria’s squad as they prepare for their return to football’s biggest global stage in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
A video has surfaced online showing some members of the Agaji volunteer group of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah, JIBWIS, popularly known as Izala, chanting lyrics that appear to call for armed attacks on citizens in Enugu and Jos.
The footage, which gained attention on social media, particularly X on Sunday, shows a group of uniformed young men wearing brown attire and blue berets, reportedly associated with the Agaji volunteer wing of the Islamic organization.
In the video, one of the men leads a morale song containing references to obtaining an AK-47 rifle to attack people described as “infidels” in Enugu and Jos.
The chant includes the lyrics: “He should be given AK47. He would then go to Enugu, the land of the infidels. On Sunday when they are worshiping and clapping, he would then open fire, so that he can kill the infidels.”
The singer subsequently repeats the call for an AK-47, this time referencing Jos, and chants about killing more people he describes as infidels, before referring to the act as “the training.”
“He asked to be given AK-47 again. So that he can go to Jos and kill more infidels. That is the training.”
The exact date and location where the video was recorded have not been verified.
The footage, which has sparked reactions online, raised concerns over the possibility of attacks on Christians in Nigeria.
Arise News Political Editor, Sumner Sambo, has told opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, that they cannot defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, with only press statements.
Sambo spoke during the Arise TV Morning Show, on Monday, while reacting to political developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said that the opposition parties are not doing enough on the ground to convince Nigerians that they are serious about taking power from APC.
According to him, the APC is already in campaign mode and President Bola Tinubu has flagged off his re-election bid in Kaduna, while opposition parties are still issuing statements from Abuja.
"You can't beat APC with press statements. You have to be proactive. You have to go to the grassroots," Sambo said.
He said Nigerians want to see the opposition in their villages, wards and local governments, not just on television.
Sambo added that ADC and NDC must show unity, structure and a clear alternative message if they want to defeat Tinubu and APC in 2027.
He said if they continue with press conferences without grassroots mobilisation, APC will easily retain power.
He advised the opposition to learn from APC's strategy of early mobilisation and massive rallies.