Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle has acknowledged the difficulty in convincing Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, but he is optimistic about convincing him.
The 18-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, scoring eight goals in 29 appearances across all competitions for the Gunners.
His performances have put him on the radar of England’s new head coach, Thomas Tuchel, making Nigeria’s pursuit even more challenging.
Chelle, however, remains hopeful that Nigeria can win the battle for Nwaneri’s commitment.
“During my trip to England (to meet with Super Eagles stars like Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi), I said I would want Nwaneri to play for Nigeria.
I want the NFF to talk to him and then I will also speak with him.”
He admitted that securing Nwaneri’s allegiance won’t be easy, given England’s strong interest in capping him at the senior level.
“ It will be hard because England will also want to cap him at full international level. But I believe I can convince him because I will speak to him on the game project and where he fits in after the NFF must have got in touch with him.”
With Bukayo Saka sidelined, Nwaneri has stepped up impressively for Arsenal, showcasing his talent in the Premier League. The teenager, who only turned 18 last month, has also contributed two assists this season.
His international rise has been just as rapid. After representing England at the U16 and U17 levels, he made a memorable England U21 debut, scoring in a 4-2 win over Portugal.
Born in north London, Nwaneri qualifies to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father, Obi Nwaneri. However, despite speculation, he has yet to receive a formal approach from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regarding a switch to the three-time African champions.
The English FA has successfully secured players of Nigerian descent in the past, including Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Eberechi Eze, and Ross Barkley. Losing Nwaneri in a similar fashion would be another major blow for Nigeria, which has struggled to retain top dual-nationality talents in recent years.
