Chelle talks about attracting Nwaneri to Super Eagles

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, has recognized the difficulty of convincing Arsenal Wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to change his international loyalty to Nigeria, but is optimistic about convincing him.

The 18 -year -old has been in excellent form this season, scoring eight goals in 29 appearances in all competitions for gunners.

His performances have put him on the radar of the new chief coach of England, Thomas Tuchel, making Nigeria the search even more challenging.

Chelle, however, has the hope that Nigeria can win the battle for Nwaneri’s commitment.

“During my trip to England (to meet with stars from Super Eagles such as Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi), I said that I would like Nwaneri to play for Nigeria.

I want the NFF to speak to him and then I will talk to him too. ”

He admitted that ensuring Nwaneri’s loyalty will not be easy, given England’s great interest in limiting it at a higher level.

“It will be difficult because England will also want to limit it to the full international level. But I think I can convince him because I will talk to him in the game project and where he fits after the NFF must have contacted him.”

With Bukayo Saka left aside, Nwaneri has increased impressive for Arsenal, showing his talent in the Premier League. The teenager, who only turned 18 last month, has also contributed two assists this season.

His international ascent has been just as fast. After representing England at the U16 and U17 levels, he made a memorable debut from England U21, scoring a 4-2 victory over Portugal.

Born in northern London, Nwaneri qualifies to play for the Super Eagles through his Nigerian father, Obi Nwaneri. However, despite speculation, it has not yet received a formal approach to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with respect to a change to the three times African champions.

The English FA has successfully secured players of Nigerian descent in the past, including Bukayo Saka, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, Eberrechi Eze and Ross Barkley. Losing Nwaneri in a similar way would be another important blow to Nigeria, who has struggled to retain the main talents of dual nationality in recent years.