Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri is reportedly considering switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, raising hopes that the 19-year-old midfielder could eventually represent the Super Eagles.
Nwaneri, who is currently on a season-long loan from Arsenal to German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, is said to be open to playing for Nigeria after previously representing England at various youth levels.
Reports indicate that Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has been in contact with Nwaneri’s representatives as part of efforts to convince the highly rated attacking midfielder to commit his international future to the Super Eagles.
However, neither Nwaneri nor the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially confirmed that he has decided to switch allegiance.
The speculation intensified after Nwaneri reportedly followed the official Super Eagles Instagram account. While the move has attracted attention from Nigerian football supporters, it does not by itself confirm that the player has made a decision.
Nwaneri was born in England to a Nigerian father and an English-French mother, making him eligible to represent Nigeria through his Nigerian heritage.
He has represented England at several youth levels, including the Under-16, Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 teams. However, he has yet to make a competitive senior appearance for England, meaning a switch to Nigeria remains possible under the applicable FIFA eligibility regulations.
Nigeria’s interest in Nwaneri is not new. Chelle has previously been reported to have monitored the midfielder and made efforts to persuade him to choose the Super Eagles.
The youngster rose through Arsenal’s academy after joining the club at the age of eight. In September 2022, he became the youngest player to appear in the Premier League when he made his Arsenal debut against Brentford at the age of 15 years and 181 days.
After gaining experience with Arsenal, Nwaneri spent the second half of the 2025/26 season on loan at French club Marseille before moving to Borussia Dortmund on loan in September 2026.
His ability to operate as an attacking midfielder, winger and advanced playmaker has made him one of the promising young talents associated with Arsenal.
A decision to represent Nigeria would give the Super Eagles another talented attacking option and strengthen the team’s long-term squad depth.
For now, however, Nwaneri’s international future remains undecided. Any eventual switch would depend on the player’s decision and compliance with FIFA’s eligibility requirements.
Nigerian supporters will therefore continue to watch closely as the highly rated youngster considers whether to continue his international career with England or make a switch to the Super Eagles.
