Angola’s federation dream of snatching Castello Lukeba from France | OneFootball

Whereas just a few years ago this phenomenon was limited to a handful of exceptions, it has now become commonplace to see dual-nationality footballers turn their backs on major European national teams to represent their parents’ country of origin.

Whether it be Morocco, Senegal, Algeria or the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an increasing number of African football associations – which are becoming ever more structured and professional, and where significant investment has been made – are thus managing to persuade some of the greatest talents to come and represent them.

Something to give smaller nations’ football associations food for thought, as they too are keen to secure the services of the best dual nationals. Starting with Angola, which, according to Carlos Alonso, vice-president of the Angolan Football Federation (FAF), is hoping to persuade the young Castello Lukeba (23) to join them, rather than France.

“We’ve had a conversation with him. We’re trying to convince him to accept our project,” the official told Bola Em Campo. “But it is important to note that he was on France’s preliminary World Cup squad. He still believes he can play for Les Bleus. Aliou Cissé and his team, with the support of the Federation, will work to bring in some of these players who could have an immediate impact on our squad.”

Born in Lyon, Lukeba is of Angolan descent, which could indeed allow him to represent Las Palancas Negras. However, at the age of 23, and with the RB Leipzig defender regarded as a player with great potential, it is France – where he has played at youth level since the Under-17s – to which he seems keen to pledge his allegiance.

GFFN | Léo Aschi