Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is set to travel to London this week to hold talks with Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri as Nigeria looks to strengthen its squad ahead of the next round of World Cup qualifiers, Footynaija.com reports.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder, who has been making a name for himself under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, is eligible for both Nigeria and England.
Nwaneri has played for England at different youth levels, making headlines in September 2022 when he became the youngest player to feature in a Premier League game at just 15 years and 181 days old.
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On his 18th birthday, March 21, 2025, he made his debut for the England U21 squad as a substitute in a match against France.
Just three days later, in his first start for the U21s, Nwaneri scored a goal within 10 minutes, contributing to England’s 4-2 victory over Portugal.
While he has featured for England’s youth teams, he has not yet committed to their senior squad.
According to The Guardian Nigeria, Chelle hopes to convince Nwaneri that he has a better chance of making a major international impact with the Super Eagles.
As the report indicates, Eric Chelle’s visit is part of a broader plan to bring in fresh talent following Nigeria’s underwhelming 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in the last World Cup qualifier.
Earlier, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has urged dual-nationality players like Nwaneri to embrace their Nigerian roots.
Citing legends like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu as inspirations, Bassey, born in Italy and raised in England, but committed to Nigeria in 2022, spoke about the deep connection players of Nigerian descent feel toward the country.
With the next round of qualifiers coming up later in the year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is supporting Chelle’s efforts to refresh the squad.
The Super Eagles are currently struggling in their World Cup qualifying group and need more quality options to improve their performances.
It remains to be seen whether Nwaneri commits to Nigeria, but the meeting could be a turning point in the country’s pursuit of one of England’s brightest young prospects.
