Exclusive: Nigeria Steps Up Pursuit of Arsenal Star Ethan Nwaneri in Super Eagles Bid

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is making efforts to persuade Arsenal’s rising star, Ethan Nwaneri, to represent the Super Eagles instead of his birth country, England.

According to multiple reports in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission, the country’s highest sports governing body, is prepared to support the NFF in its bid to secure the talented young attacker.

Nwaneri’s international future has been a subject of debate following his impressive performances for Arsenal. 

The 17-year-old has already represented England at youth levels, setting the stage for a potential tug-of-war between the NFF and the English FA.

NFF Holds Key to Super Eagles Selection

Speaking to SportsBoom.com, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Sports Commission, Mr. Daniel Adeyanju, stated that the NFF has the final say on national team selections.

“Ethan is a very talented player, and I’m sure many football federations would be interested in him," Adeyanju told SportsBoom.com. 

"We’ve seen the reports, but I can confirm that it is the NFF that determines who plays for the Super Eagles. When the time comes, they will make their position known.”

Nigeria’s Track Record with Dual-Nationality Players

The NFF has successfully convinced several European-born players to represent Nigeria in the past. 

Notable names include Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina, and former QPR winger Bright Osayi-Samuel.

However, the federation has also missed out on high-profile talents, including AC Milan duo Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham, as well as Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who opted to play for England.

Strategic Plan to Convince Nwaneri

A senior NFF board member, speaking anonymously to SportsBoom.com, revealed the federation’s plan to secure Nwaneri’s commitment.

“He’s a fantastic player, and we really want him. In fact, it was coach Eric Chelle who first suggested we make a move for him,” the official told SportsBoom.com. 

“We plan to meet with his family in London and present our vision for his international career. Alex Iwobi could also play a role in convincing him since they share an Arsenal connection. If he chooses Nigeria, he will have no trouble settling into the squad, as we have several England-born players in our ranks.”

The official also highlighted the opportunities available in the Nigerian national team.

“Playing for England is appealing, but we also have a strong team, and players often get more chances here. Aina, Lookman, Bassey, and Iwobi have all improved significantly with the Super Eagles.”

Nwaneri has been a revelation for Arsenal during the 2024-25 season, stepping up following injuries to Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Kai Havertz. The young midfielder has scored eight goals in 27 appearances, including two in the UEFA Champions League, making him one of the youngest scorers in the competition’s knockout stage.

Former Nigeria International Weighs In

Former Nigeria and Brentford defender Sam Sodje believes it will be difficult for the NFF to lure Nwaneri away from England.

“He’s a fantastic talent. I watched him play against Brentford, and I was very impressed,” Sodje added. 

“However, convincing him to choose Nigeria over England will be a challenge. The English FA is also keen on keeping him, and they won’t let such a talent slip away easily. But in football, you never know.”

With Nwaneri’s stock rising, the battle for his international allegiance is set to intensify in the coming months.