England or Nigeria: Olisadebe admits history-making Arsenal midfielder faces difficult decision

The Nigerian football scene is buzzing with speculation as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) attempts to secure the commitment of history-making Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri, the youngest-ever footballer to play in the top-flight of English football.

The talented Anglo-Nigerian midfielder has emerged as a potential asset for Nigeria’s national team, and opinions are divided on whether he should represent the Super Eagles or opt for England, where he was born and raised.

Emmanuel Olisadebe, a former Poland international and a player who faced a similar dilemma in his career, has shared his thoughts on the matter. 

Olisadebe, who famously chose to play for Poland over Nigeria, stated that the decision ultimately lies with the player and is a matter of personal choice.

"It boils down to the players themselves. Coming from a situation like that is just a matter of choice,” Olisadebe explained to Nigerian newspaper Thisday. 

Reflecting on his own experience, he noted, "I was faced with the choice of playing between Nigeria and Poland, and I decided to play for the latter." 

His decision paid off, as he went on to become a key figure in the Polish national team, scoring eight goals in qualification matches for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Nwaneri, who has shown immense potential at Arsenal, now finds himself at a crossroads. 

Olisadebe emphasized that the young midfielder must evaluate his options carefully.

"The player has to look deep, find out what is best for him. If he feels playing for England is the best for him, then fine. But we all know how the English do; they might just dump him after playing one game," he cautioned.

The dilemma faced by Nwaneri is not uncommon among players of Nigerian descent, particularly those who have grown up in England. 

The prospect of representing the Three Lions can be enticing, given the prestige associated with the national team. 

However, Olisadebe’s words serve as a reminder of the potential pitfalls. "It’s a very difficult decision to make, but I hope he makes the right one," he added.

In recent years, the NFF has intensified its efforts to attract players like Nwaneri, recognizing the importance of building a strong national team. 

However, as Olisadebe pointed out, the decision to switch national allegiances often comes down to the individual player’s circumstances and aspirations.

Developing homegrown talent remains crucial for Nigeria, as the country seeks to improve its footballing identity and competitiveness on the world stage. 

Grassroots football, as Olisadebe suggested, is essential for nurturing future stars and creating a pipeline of talent for the Super Eagles.

As the football world watches closely, Ethan Nwaneri’s choice will not only impact his career but also resonate within Nigerian football. 

His decision could potentially reshape the narrative around dual-nationality players and their commitment to representing their ancestral homeland. 

The hopes of many Nigerian football fans now rest on his shoulders as he navigates this pivotal moment in his young career.

Wale Adejumo

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