“Nigeria will struggle to get Ethan Nwaneri for Super Eagles” - Chelle

Photo Credit - Arsenal Media.

Nigeria head coach, Eric Chelle has admitted that it could be difficult to convince Arsenal youngster, Ethan Nwaneri to play for the Super Eagles despite the West African nation wanting the player to don the Green and White jersey.

Nwaneri is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England and both nations are willing to hand the Enfield born star his first cap. He has represented England at the junior and youth level from U-16, U-17, U-19 and U-21 but is yet to make a senior appearance for the Three Lions.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Arsenal following injuries to some of the Gunners key stars. The midfielder has so far scored three goals and made two assists in 20 league appearances for The Gunners this season.

His fine form in the English Premier League has courted the attention of the Nigeria Football Federation who have mounted a chase to get him to represent the three time African champions.

However new coach of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up Eric Chelle, admits that Nigeria will struggle to get Nwaneri due to England’s keen interest in the youngster.

“During my trip to England (to meet with Super Eagles stars like Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi), I said I would want Nwaneri to play for Nigeria,” Chelle told SCORENigeria.

“I want the NFF to talk to him and then I will also speak with him.”

“It will be hard because England will also want to cap him at full international level.

“But I believe I can convince him because I will speak to him on the game project and where he fits in after the NFF must have got in touch with him.”

Nigeria are struggling in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they sit 4th in Group C with 7 points from six matches played. They are six points behind group leaders South Africa and one less than Rwanda and Benin. Lesotho sit 5th on 6 points and Zimbabwe bottom on 3 points.