Ethan Nwaneri has emerged as one of the most exciting young talents in football, having taken his chances to become a star at injury inflicted Arsenal.
The Hale Ender before his breakthrough season already made history by becoming the youngest player to debut in the Premier League for Arsenal at just 15 years old in September 2022, where he came off the bench to replace Fabio Vieira in a 3-0 win over Brentford in the Gtech Stadium.
Two years on, he is finally enjoying his breakthrough season at Arsenal. Staring with a Carabao Cup brace against Bolton Wanderers in his first appearance, he has become a major part of the team, due to injuries to majority of Arsenal’s attackers.
Ethan Nwaneri scored his first Premier League goal in a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on the Emirates Stadium in November, becoming the ninth-youngest goalscorer in the league’s history at 17 years, 247 days old.
He inspired Arsenal to a 3-1 win over Brentford in his first league start and a few days later. On his first-ever UEFA Champions League start, he became the second youngest Englishman to score in the competition after Jude Bellingham.
With seven goals to his name before turning 18 in March, Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen are the only English players to have scored more goals than him at the age of 17 (nine, each).
With Nigerian heritage through his father, many have speculated whether he could represent Nigeria at the international level, following the footsteps of the likes of Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman.
His recent player of the match performance in a 2-0 Arsenal win away at Leicester City has further added to the desperation of fans in Nigeria, who wish to have the teenage sensation added to Eric Chelle’s team.
However, all indications suggest that Nwaneri is more likely to continue his journey with England, having already featured prominently for their youth teams, and being highly rated to star with the Three Lions.
The Nigerian national team itself boasts a rich history of producing world-class talent, with legends like Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, it has nurtured world class players, which makes it one of the best footballing nation on African soil.
Despite her strong football tradition and history of recruiting players with dual nationality, several factors make it unlikely that Nwaneri will switch allegiance to Nigeria.
His early integration into England’s youth system, the development opportunities available within the English football setup, and the career advantages of staring at a top-tier European national team will all play a role in his decision when the time comes.
While Nigeria has successfully convinced players like Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman to switch, Nwaneri’s case appears completely different.
His deep ties to England’s football structure, along with the prestige of playing for one of the world’s most competitive national teams, make it unlikely that he will choose Nigeria.
Below, our journalist Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi explores the key reasons Ethan Nwaneri will be more focused on representing England over the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Five Reasons Ethan Nwaneri will not Choose Nigeria
1. Made in England
Ethan Nwaneri was born and raised in England, he has been shaped by its football culture, infrastructure, and elite development system.
His comfort with the English style, and strong ties to England may outweigh any sentimental connection to Nigeria, where his only affiliation is from his Dad.
Nwaneri has no association with Nigeria. He does not know the country, has never been there and neither has hit parents, whose identities remain anonymous despite the rise of their son to prominent.
He has been involved with the England youth set-up, joining the U-17 as a 15-year-old while he has also represented them in major youth tournaments, scoring goals and even captaining the teams.
He is made in England and appears made for England too. The Nigerian Football Federation will have some task on their hands of they ever decide to make an effort to convince the Arsenal star to desert England.
2. Chances of International Success and Global Recognition
Although England’s only major international success remains the FIFA World Cup triumph in 1966, the chances of making it at senior level in the new generation is at its highest.
The country has reached the final of the last two editions of the UEFA European championships while also appearing in the semi final in one of the last two FIFA World Cup editions, it could get even better im the coming years and Ethan Nwaneri will be more tempted at the prospect of making history.
While Nigeria has been more successful with three AFCON titles, as well as a final appearance in the most recent edition, it does not compare to the Three Lions at the current age.
3. England is His Comfort Zone
Having lived in England all his life, Ethan Nwaneri is more accustomed to the culture and football environment, and there is where he knows as his comfort zone.
With the Three Lions, he will be set to play alongside many of the players with whom he grew up, as opposed to Nigeria, where he will have to get use to the football norms.
4. Three Lions call up is Dream
For a kid that grew up in the streets of London, watching their heroes like Jack Wilshere, and others play for the England National team, it is a dream they also one day hope to live.
A potential invitation to the England National team ruins any hopes of the NFF to convince Ethan Nwaneri, because the call is dream come true.
He, like every other kid, live and work hard for days like that and when it does eventually comes, there is no other offer enticing enough to reject it.
5. Long-Term Career Stability
An England career provides a more structured pathway, reducing risks associated with international instability, even so after his retirement.
Playing for the Three Lions will do good for his post professional career as evidence with some ex England internationals, who have landed roles in punditry, coaching and other well recognized/ paid adventures.
Conclusion
With Eric Chelle is set to commence with his task of leading Nigeria to the ticket for the next FIFA World Cup, the chances of Ethan Nwaneri being a part of that is literally a zero.
For now, the teenage sensation’s focus will be to maintain his good form in his breakthrough season, stay healthy and help both Arsenal Al and the England U-19 teams achieve their respective objectives.
Whether or not and England invitation comes through the door in the coming months remains to be seen, but what is certain is that he will be waiting, and that is not an encouraging news for Nigeria.
till only 17, the years is there for him to wait, but it is unlikely he will be made to wait much longer, given his talent, exposure and the potential of Nigeria going after him.
Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
