Nwaneri receptive to potential Eagles call-up.
Ethan Nwaneri Open to Nigeria or England Call-Up
Arsenal’s rising star, Ethan Nwaneri, has kept his international future up in the air, revealing he’s open to representing either Nigeria or England, according to The PUNCH.
Born to a Nigerian father and an English mother, the 17-year-old is eligible to play for both nations. A recent report suggests that Nwaneri is ready to commit to whichever country approaches him first—whether it’s England or his father’s homeland, Nigeria.
A source close to Nwaneri shared with Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare: “The youngster will honour whichever country—Nigeria or England—approaches him first. What is the NFF waiting for?” Oludare posted this on X.
Nwaneri has already represented England at youth levels, but if Nigeria moves to switch his allegiance, he would follow in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi, who chose to play for Nigeria while at Arsenal back in 2015.
Other notable Nigerian players who have switched their international allegiance include William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and reigning African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
The talented attacking midfielder or winger has already made a name for himself at Arsenal in the 2024/25 season, stepping up in the absence of the injured Bukayo Saka.
Nwaneri recently made history in the Champions League by becoming the third-youngest player to score in a knockout-stage match. At 17 years and 348 days, he netted in Arsenal’s 7-1 thrashing of PSV Eindhoven, sitting behind only Bojan Krkic (17 years, 217 days) and Jude Bellingham (17 years, 289 days) as the youngest to score in a knockout clash.
In addition, Nwaneri broke another record in February, becoming the youngest player to complete five or more dribbles and assist a goal in a single Premier League match during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Leicester City. At just 17 years and 331 days, he surpassed Saka, who previously held the record at 18 years and 164 days.
Having joined Arsenal at age eight, Nwaneri has scored eight goals in 27 appearances across all competitions this season, further establishing himself as a player to watch.
