Arsenal’s new kid on the block, Ethan Nwaneri, has left his international future wide open, as he is said to be open to playing for either Nigeria or England.
Born to a Nigerian father and an English mother, Nwaneri is eligible to play for both countries and the latest hint suggests that the 17-year-old will represent the first country that approaches him—whether England or his parent’s country, Nigeria.
“A family source close to Arsenal star Ethan Nwaneri tells me that the youngster will honour whichever country—Nigeria or England—approaches him first. What is the NFF waiting for?” UK-based Nigerian journalist, Shina Oludare posted via X.
The 17-year-old has featured for England at the youth level.
If the Nigeria Football Federation makes a move to switch his nationality, he will follow the steps of Alex Iwobi, who also chose to represent Nigeria while playing for Arsenal in 2015.
Aside from Nwaneri’s closest example, other Nigerian players that have made the switch for foreign countries include William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, reigning African Player of The Year, Ademola Lookman, among others.
Nwaneri plays as an attacking midfielder or a winger and has featured prominently for Arsenal in the 2024/25 season, filling the void of the injured Bukayo Saka.
In Saka’s absence, the player has achieved some milestones with the Gunners.
On Tuesday, Nwaneri etched his name in Champions League history, becoming the third-youngest player to score in a knockout stage match as the Gunners dismantled PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in their last-16 encounter.
At 17 years and 348 days, Nwaneri now sits behind only Bojan Krkic (17 years, 217 days) and Jude Bellingham (17 years, 289 days) as the youngest players to score in a Champions League knockout match.
During Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win against Leicester City in February, Nwaneri became the youngest player to complete five or more dribbles and assist a goal in a single match, aged 17 years and 331 days as per OptaJoe.
The record was previously held by Saka at the age of 18 years and 164 days against Newcastle in 2020.
The 17-year-old joined Arsenal at the age of eight and has scored eight goals in 27 games across all competitions this season.
Source: www.punchng.com
