Boost for Flying Eagles: Arsenal's Nigeria-eligible left-back unlikely to represent Egypt at U20 Afcon

Arsenal's tri-national defender Cam'ron Ismail is unlikely to make his competitive debut for Egypt at the upcoming 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, allnigeriasoccer.com understands. 

London-born Ismail is eligible to represent Nigeria through his father, as well as England, his country of birth.

The 18-year-old left-back, who is eligible to play for Egypt through his Egyptian mother, is leaning towards representing the North African powerhouse, having previously trained with the Young Pharaohs. 

Ismail's omission from Egypt's provisional U20 AFCON squad is a significant boost for Nigeria as he would not be required to file a change of association if he opts to represent the three-time African champions in the future.

There's also a possibility that Egypt, drawn in Group A, might clash with the Flying Eagles in the quarterfinals of the U20 Afcon, depending on how both teams finish in the group stage.

Ismail has trained with Arsenal’s first team on several occasions — a clear sign of how highly manager Mikel Arteta rates him.

However, the fullback has not been called up to a first team game since he joined Arsenal in September 2021, after he was spotted playing in an Elite Development Academy Soccer shop window. 

He was on U18 duties on Thursday afternoon, coming off the bench to score his first-ever goal in the U18 Premier League as Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in a London derby at Copers Cope. 

Ismail began his career as a striker before transitioning to left-back — a role that allows him to impact the game at both ends of the pitch.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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