LONDON, CMC – Newport County goalkeeper Nick Townsend was picked for Antigua & Barbuda national men’s team for the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The 29-year-old, who plays for the English League 2 outfit, has won seven caps for the Antiguans so far. He will return to international action in two qualifying matches next month.
As the Antiguans are known, the Benna Boys play Bermuda in their first qualifier on home soil on Wednesday, June 5. Three days later, they travel to the Cayman Islands.
Townsend’s journey to represent Antigua & Barbuda is a story of perseverance and determination. He made his debut for the national team against Barbados two years ago, having qualified to play for them through his grandfather. This process, which took four years and involved DNA tests to establish his heritage due to missing names on birth certificates, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport and his heritage.
The England-born shot-stopper, Townsend, demonstrated his unwavering commitment by choosing to miss matches for the Antiguans in the Concacaf Nations League last November. His decision was driven by a strong desire to fortify his starting place for Newport County, a testament to his dedication to both his club and country.
He started all but three of the club’s matches in the 2023-24 campaign, and it appeared he achieved his goal after the club released second-string ‘keeper Jonny Maxted and the experienced Joe Day in the past few weeks.
Newport County finished 18th, on 55 points, in the 24-team League 2 table during the past season – having lost their last five matches.
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