Nigeria’s pursuit of Arsenal’s teenage sensation, Ethan Nwaneri, has received a big boost after England head coach Thomas Tuchel omitted the youngster from his latest squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports.
Despite speculation surrounding a potential senior call-up, Nwaneri was not included in Tuchel’s 23-man squad for the matches against Albania and Latvia. The 17-year-old, who has impressed with eight goals and one assist in 28 appearances for Arsenal this season, was reportedly on Tuchel’s radar.
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However, the German tactician opted for an experienced attacking lineup, featuring Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon, and Dominic Solanke.
Nwaneri’s omission means he remains eligible to represent Nigeria, who have been actively courting the talented forward. Had he made his senior debut for England, he would have been cap-tied.
Born in Enfield, North London, to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Nwaneri has dual eligibility. His father, Obinna “Obi” Nwaneri, played a crucial role in shaping Ethan’s early footballing development, training him and his younger brother Emerson in their local park.
The decision by Tuchel to exclude Nwaneri from the England squad has opened a window of opportunity for Nigeria to persuade the highly-rated teenager to represent the Super Eagles on the international stage.Sources and related content
