Arsenal’s rising star, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, is keeping his international options open as he remains willing to represent either Nigeria or England. Born to a Nigerian father and an English mother, Nwaneri is eligible for both countries. According to a family source close to the player, he will honor the first country that approaches him. UK-based Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare recently tweeted, “What is the NFF waiting for?”
Nwaneri has already featured for England at the youth level, but if the Nigeria Football Federation makes a move to switch his allegiance, he could follow in the footsteps of Alex Iwobi, who chose to represent Nigeria while playing for Arsenal in 2015. Other Nigerian players who have opted for foreign representation include William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, and reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Primarily playing as an attacking midfielder or winger, Nwaneri has made a significant impact for Arsenal this season, especially in the absence of the injured Bukayo Saka. On Tuesday, he became the third-youngest player to score in a Champions League knockout match when he helped Arsenal to a 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the last-16 tie. At 17 years and 348 days, he now ranks behind only Bojan Krkic (17 years, 217 days) and Jude Bellingham (17 years, 289 days).
During Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win against Leicester City in February, Nwaneri set another record by becoming the youngest player to complete five or more dribbles and register an assist in a single match at 17 years and 331 days—a record previously held by Bukayo Saka at the age of 18 years and 164 days.
Having joined Arsenal at the age of eight, Nwaneri has scored eight goals in 27 games across all competitions this season. His achievements have already made him one of the most exciting prospects in the club, and his future international choice is eagerly anticipated by fans from both Nigeria and England.
