Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri still eligible to play for Super Eagles

By Wale Mustapha

Arsenal sensation Ethan Nwaneri is still eligible to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles, despite being excluded from England’s latest squad under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

Nwaneri, one of the brightest young talents in European football, had initially been in the spotlight for potential national team call-ups.

However, his omission from Tuchel’s first squad leaves the door open for a possible switch of allegiance to Nigeria.

While two of Nwaneri’s Arsenal teammates, Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly, earned places in England’s 26-man squad, Nwaneri’s exclusion has raised questions about his international future.

Lewis-Skelly, who came through the ranks with Nwaneri at Arsenal’s renowned Hale End Academy, was included, reiterating the close relationship between the two young players.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed an impressive season with the Gunners, scoring eight goals, and his potential remains immense.

With his exclusion from the England squad, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) now has an opportunity to approach Nwaneri about switching his allegiance, following the path of Alex Iwobi, who chose to represent Nigeria while playing for Arsenal in 2015.

It remains to be seen whether Nwaneri will make the switch, but the door to the Super Eagles remains open.