Battle of Nigeria targets: Arsenal's Nwaneri helps England beat Atubolu's Germany in U21 Euro final

Two Nigeria Football Federation targets were in action as England defeated Germany 3-2 in Saturday night's European U21 Championship final. 

Arsenal attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri entered the game as a substitute at the start of extra time, replacing James McAtee, while Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu played the full game for the Germans.

Also involved was Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins, who completed the entire game.

The Young Lions were pushed to the limit, needing 120 minutes to see off their German opponents as goals from Harvey Elliott and Omari Hutchinson were cancelled out by strikes from Nelson Weiper and Paul Nebel in regulation time.

However, England reclaimed their advantage early in extra time through Jonathan Rowe, whose expertly placed header into the far corner settled the contest.

Nwaneri featured in all six of England's matches at the U21 Euro, earning starts against Slovenia and Germany, while Atubolu was ever-present for Germany, except for the group stage win over the Young Lions, where he was rested. 

As exclusively reported by allnigeriasoccer.com in February, the Hale End Academy graduate has not ruled out the possibility of representing the Super Eagles. 

Neither the Nigeria Football Federation nor Eric Chelle himself reached out to Nwaneri, his representatives or his family, before the start of the European Championship.

As for Atubolu, he is leaning towards representing his country of birth, Germany at senior level.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: englandfootball.com

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com