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Arsenal’s 17-year-old prodigy Ethan Nwaneri stole the spotlight in the Gunners’ 3-0 triumph over Nottingham Forest, marking his first Premier League goal and signalling the arrival of a potential global superstar.
The Gunners returned from the international break with a bang, showing their class with a dominant performance.
Bukayo Saka opened the scoring with a fine strike, followed by Thomas Party doubling the lead before halftime.
However, the night belonged to Nwaneri, who sealed the win with a late goal, assisted by Raheem Sterling, marking a milestone in his young career.
Of Nigerian descent, Nwaneri is not just a talent for Arsenal but a potential gem for the Super Eagles.
At 17, he has already drawn comparisons to Nigerian football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha due to his creative flair and attacking instincts.
His performance against Nottingham Forest has sparked excitement among fans, who took to social media to suggest he could be the creative force Nigeria desperately needs in midfield.
For Nigeria, securing a player of Nwaneri’s calibre would be a major coup. With the Super Eagles struggling for an attacking midfielder or a creative, the Nigeria Football Federation might have to act swiftly to secure Nwaneri’s commitment to the national team.
Nwaneri’s talent was first noticed in 2022 when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed him his Premier League debut at just 15 years and 181 days old.
That historic moment against Brentford made him the youngest player ever to feature in the competition.
Since then, Nwaneri has featured in nine matches across all competitions for Arsenal, scoring four goals, including a brace in the EFL Cup against Bolton Wanderers. Despite averaging just 19 minutes per game, his impact has been undeniable.
A Future Star for Nigeria?
Nwaneri’s talent has positioned him as a player any national team would want. With Nigeria’s midfield lacking a consistent creative spark, his inclusion could be a game-changer for the Super Eagles.
Will the NFF convince Nwaneri to represent Nigeria, or will he continue to rise as an English international? Either way, this young star’s journey is one to watch.
