Nigeria-eligible Chukwuemeka speaks after joining Fufu-man at Dortmund

Posted : 04 February 2025

Carney Chibueze Chukwuemeka, a Nigeria-eligible midfielder, is thrilled after completing his six-month loan move from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga. The 21-year-old has struggled for regular first-team action at Chelsea this season, playing just 130 minutes of football, none of which came in the Premier League. In search of more playing time at a top European club, Chukwuemeka has moved to Dortmund, with a €35 million buy option included in the deal.

At Dortmund, Chukwuemeka will join another player with Nigerian roots, Karim Adeyemi. The young midfielder expressed his excitement about the move, eager to make an impact at the Westfalen Stadion. “I’m excited, grateful, blessed, and all of that. It feels a bit surreal,” Chukwuemeka shared in a Borussia Dortmund interview. “It’s a massive club. They were in the Champions League final last season – I got to watch that. Some of my friends were on the pitch that day. It’s a surreal feeling to be sitting here now. I can’t wait to get started.”

Chukwuemeka sees this as an important opportunity to prove himself. He acknowledged the trust that Dortmund has shown in him, stating that it was a significant factor in his decision to join the club. “It’s a chance for me to prove myself,” he said. “Looking at all the talented players who have developed here, it just feels like the right step for me right now. I want to showcase my talent on the continent and help the club succeed.”

When asked about the qualities he brings to the pitch, Chukwuemeka explained that he is a player who loves to express himself freely. "I play without fear. I love to dribble, create plays, pass, and shoot," he said. "Every moment I’m on the field, I’ll give everything for this badge. I’m honestly just grateful to be here. So yeah, that’s what the fans can expect from me. I’ll give my all in every single game.”

Chukwuemeka, born in Eisenstadt, Austria, moved to England when he was two years old. He has represented England at youth level but is eligible to play for Nigeria due to his heritage. He feels at home at Dortmund, a club known for nurturing English talent in recent years, and was particularly inspired by the team's run to the UEFA Champions League final last season.

“The Champions League final last season was a big inspiration,” Chukwuemeka said. “Seeing how far the team went, and of course, there’s a long list of English players who have really flourished here – Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho, Jamie Gittens.” He also spoke about the club’s history of developing young talent, adding, “This club has a history of developing talent, but overall, it’s just a massive club. Huge stadium. Amazing fans.”

Chukwuemeka recalled a memorable moment when Chelsea played Dortmund at the Signal Iduna Park in 2023, with Adeyemi scoring a stunning solo goal. “I was on the bench when BVB played Chelsea in the Champions League. I still remember the sound in my ears, the Yellow Wall. The atmosphere was incredible,” he reflected. Adeyemi, who previously credited Nigerian dish fufu for boosting his speed, and Chukwuemeka, both having Nigerian parents, are expected to bond over their shared heritage.

Nigeria-eligible Chukwuemeka speaks after joining Fufu-man at Dortmund

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