Three reasons Arsenal forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji should choose Nigeria over England

In football, few decisions carry as much weight for young talents as choosing their national allegiance.  

Arsenal’s rising star Nathan Butler-Oyedeji faces such a dilemma as he remains eligible to represent, England,  Nigeria and Saint Vincent at the international level.  

The 22-year-old forward has been impressive for Arsenal’s youth team this season, scoring seven goals and providing six assists in the Premier League 2 while also making his senior debut in the UEFA Champions League.  

While England presents a strong option, allnigeriaaoccer.com highlights three reasons why Butler-Oyedeji should consider committing his international future to Nigeria.  

Clearer pathway to international football

Breaking into England’s senior squad is notoriously difficult due to the abundance of elite attacking options.  

The Three Lions already boast world-class forwards such as Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins, while younger stars like Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen are also battling for spots.  

In contrast, while Nigeria also has several quality attackers, a consistently in-form Butler-Oyedeji would stand a better chance of breaking into the Super Eagles squad compared to the cutthroat competition in England.  

Boost to his career and exposure

Choosing Nigeria could provide Butler-Oyedeji with a bigger platform to showcase his talent.  

With his impressive performances at Arsenal’s youth level, he will be looking for a breakthrough move in the summer to further his career.  

Representing Nigeria at international tournaments would put him in the global spotlight, just as it did for dual-nationality players like Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Maduka Okoye and Joe Aribo, who gained more prominence after committing their futures to Nigeria. 

Opportunity to play in the World Cup and win international trophies

Every footballer dreams of competing at the FIFA World Cup, and Nigeria offers a realistic pathway to fulfilling that ambition.  

While England remains a football powerhouse, many talented players often miss out due to fierce competition.

In contrast, Butler-Oyedeji could play a crucial role in Nigeria’s push for World Cup qualification and even challenge for international silverware, such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).  

Adeyemi Adewale

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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