'It will be hard' - Chelle admits difficulty in convincing Arsenal midfielder to choose Nigeria over England

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has admitted that it won't be easy to persuade Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to switch his international allegiance from England to Nigeria.  

Born in north London, the Hale End Academy graduate qualifies to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father, Obi Nwaneri.

Allnigeriasoccer.com broke the news fifty-two days ago that Nwaneri has not ruled out playing for the Super Eagles, but has yet to receive a formal approach from the Nigeria Football Federation or its representatives regarding a switch from England to the three-time African champions.  

With his recent promotion to the U21 squad, the English Football Association is believed to be in pole position for his services.

By coming off the bench in a European U17 Championship qualifier against Lithuania in October 2022, Nwaneri became provisionally cap-tied to England, meaning he needs to file a one-time switch with Fifa if he is convinced to play for Nigeria in the future.

The 18-year-old is playing beyond his years, notching eight goals in twenty-nine all-competition appearances for the Gunners so far this season.

The task is challenging for Chelle and the Nigeria Football Federation as Nwaneri is on the radar of new England boss Thomas Tuchel due to his remarkable potential.

"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."

The English Football Association easily won the recruitment battle for another Hale End product Bukayo Saka, Cobham-reared players Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori, Crystal Palace dazzler Eberechi Eze and Aston Villa's Ross Barkley. 

Ola Aina and Alex Iwobi's decision to play for the Super Eagles came after they saw no obvious pathway to the England senior squad despite their past involvement with the Young Lions. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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