Arsenal youth teamer could spark international tug-of-war between Nigeria and England

Arsenal schoolboy Ethan Nwaneri could spark an international tug-of-war between Nigeria and England in future, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The 2007-born Nwaneri is currently on international duty with the Young Lions at the Torneio de Desenvolvimento UEFA in Portugal and was named in the starting lineup as England U16s were defeated 5-1 by their German counterparts at Municipal de Vila Real, Vila Real de Santo António on Saturday, February 12.

The fact that the Anglo-Nigerian is playing up an international age group proves that he has already been identified as one of the most promising teenagers in England by the English Football Association.

There has been speculation over the international future of Nwaneri after he scored on his competitive debut for Arsenal U18s at the tender age of fourteen in May 2021.

Nigeria Football Federation higher-ups have given a directive to the youth team coaches to concentrate on grooming homegrown players rather than inviting European-born dual-eligible players to the youth setup ahead of the start of the qualifiers for the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup.

The NFF's decision means the English Football Association have a head start over their African rivals in the race for the services of Nwaneri.
 

Nwaneri was on the pitch for 58 minutes against Germany before making way for Lewis Orford .

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com