Emanuel Emegha, the 14-goal Strasbourg sensation, has pledged his international future to the Netherlands, ending speculation about a possible Super Eagles switch, Footynaija.com reports.
At just 22, Emegha has become one of Ligue 1’s standout forwards. His 2024–2025 campaign was nothing short of impressive; he scored 14 goals, provided 3 assists, and was a relentless presence up front for Strasbourg. The Dutch-born striker has caught the attention of top clubs, with Chelsea reportedly tracking him closely.
But while Nigerian fans had been hoping to see him don the green and white, Emegha has drawn a line in the sand. “I believe I can make an impact on Oranje,” he said in a report by Legit.ng. “I’m a different type of striker, but I respect everyone.”
Emegha has worn the orange of the Netherlands at every youth level, from U15 to U21, and now looks set to push for a senior call-up, despite missing out on the 2025 UEFA European U21 Championship through injury.
His commitment won’t come as a shock to scouts, though. Born in the Netherlands, with roots in both Nigeria and Togo, he’s never hidden his ambition to rise through the Dutch system. Even in the face of Super Eagles fans calling for his switch, he’s kept things steady, focused, and professional.
“I just want to finish as high as possible. I don’t have a dream club,” he said. “I want to get the most out of every year. As a striker, you keep pushing, and a big club will come.”
He may be brushing off Chelsea links for now, but interest is heating up. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Premier League giants are waiting for the right moment.
A product of Sparta Rotterdam’s academy, he took his talents to Antwerp, then exploded in Austria with Sturm Graz before landing at Strasbourg in 2023. In France, he has blossomed physically and tactically adding power, pace, and precision to his game.