Town defender Axel Tuanzebe has switched his international allegiance to DR Congo, the country of his birth.

The 26-year-old moved to the UK as a child and has previously represented England at U19, U20 and U21 levels.

In December, he was named in a provisional DR Congo squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations with manager Kieran McKenna revealing the two had had conversations about the situation.

“I’ve had a couple of discussions with Axel this week about it,” he said following the defeat at Leeds just before Christmas.

“As understand it currently, he won’t be going but Axel’s in communication with their federation and I’m sure that will get sorted.”

However, now Tuanzebe has committed to playing for DR Congo, who are ranked 64th in the world, with a statement on their official Facebook page reading: “Axel Tuanzebe, native of Bunia and member of Ipswich Town in the English Championship, is now eligible and selectable to represent the Leopards in the next international events.”

Tuanzebe was pictured (below) with manager Sébastien Desabre holding up a DR Congo shirt.

Photo: Matchday Images

bobble added 10:36 - Mar 23 great move...................
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tractorboybig added 11:11 - Mar 23 just shows what a joke international football has become
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Mariner1974 added 11:18 - Mar 23 What's wrong with that choice? It's great for him. Chance to play at the African Nations. Have a whole different experience playing international football in Africa. Gets to hang out with Wissa, Mpanzu, Kayembe, Diangana on the plane, and still gets to wear blue! What's not to like?
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johnwarksshorts added 11:20 - Mar 23 Proud moment for him.
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StevieH added 12:25 - Mar 23
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leftie1972 added 13:54 - Mar 23 Can’t blame him really, good luck to him.
6

Clemcc added 14:31 - Mar 23 Good move by Axel - get more experience but bad for us as maybe away for Africa nations for a month??
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LegendofthePhoenix added 17:07 - Mar 23 Axel has been returning to full fitness as the season has progressed and last few times he has played at RB we have been more solid, plus he is getting forward and making nice balls/assists. Terrific that we have picked up this classy player on a free, and it's a great decision for him to represent the country of his birth. Well done Axel, now we want you to commit your future to us here at ITFC.

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MK1 added 19:01 - Mar 23 Great for him and us. He will get to play with and against so many good players. This can only be a good thing for him and us. Good luck to the lad.
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Europablue added 22:16 - Mar 23 It happens all the time. Plenty of players are eligible for another country and are not quite good enough to play for England and accept the opportunity to play. In this case, Axel is is Congo native and doesn't just have a Welsh grandparent like Vinnie Jones.
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HatStand added 09:18 - Mar 24 Time to re word the finidi song
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PortmanTerrorist added 09:34 - Mar 24 Hate this narrative that he was not good enough for England so.... As we grow as human beings our feelings about who we are and where we hail from. This is a complicated and very personal issue that he has himself made....how much choice would he really have had when being considered for those youth teams with England. Good luck Axel and hope you excel for us and your homeland.

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