Future of Nigeria’s midfield: Super Eagles fans call on Nwaneri to commit

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Super Eagles fans have flooded social media with calls for Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri to commit his international future to Nigeria, Afrik Foot reports.

This follows recent comments that reignited debate over his eligibility and long-term plans.

A post by Soccernet.ng featuring Nwaneri’s remarks quickly went viral and has drawn thousands of reactions as supporters analysed his words and projected their hopes onto one of Europe’s brightest teenage prospects.

Fans react to Nwaneri’s comments

Supporters interpreted Nwaneri’s statements as a subtle sign of connection to Nigeria.

This also fuelled optimism that the highly rated midfielder could one day anchor the Super Eagles’ midfield for years to come.

“This boy just speaks with sense. You can tell he’s well brought up,” wrote @king_jayclassic, while @damilare__xo added: “Future of Nigeria midfield right here. We need him badly.”

Super Eagles prospect Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri. Copyright: IMAGO

For many, his calm outlook resonated with those who see him as a symbol of Nigeria’s vast diaspora potential.

“Nigeria please don’t fumble this one,” pleaded @iam_tobyj. “We have lost too many gems. NFF must move smart.”

Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri. Photo by IMAGO

Super Eagles: Shadow of past near-misses

The discussion also reflected anxiety shaped by previous cases of dual-national players who were once eligible for Nigeria but chose other countries.

Several fans referenced Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Fikayo Tomori as reminders of missed opportunities.

“This one hurts differently because we can see his potential already,” wrote @oluwasegun__, while @freshboy_mikel urged balance: “We cannot pressure him. Let him grow, but NFF should build a real relationship with him.”

Others stressed patience, pointing out that Nwaneri is still a teenager adapting to elite football.

“Make una relax,” cautioned @itz_nuel. “The boy never reach 18. Let him develop first. When the time comes, he will choose with his heart.”

Despite the caution, optimism dominated the conversation. Fans imagined how Nwaneri could reshape Nigeria’s midfield alongside current Super Eagles stars, with @thefootballplugng posting: “Imagine him and Onyeka pressing and controlling games. That midfield go mad.”

Nigeria's Frank Onyeka
Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka. Photo by Torbjorn Tande/Icon Sport

Beyond tactics, many framed the issue in emotional terms of identity. “He is one of us already,” declared @naijaprinceso, while @glory_ballers added: “We are ready to embrace him fully.”

Whether or not Nwaneri eventually commits to the Super Eagles, his comments have already sparked hope and renewed calls for the Nigeria Football Federation to act strategically in securing the future of its midfield.

<!-- Author Start -->Ayomide Oguntimehin<!-- Author End -->

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Editor Site Coordinator

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and Editor at Soccernet.ng & Afrik Foot. Ayomide has worked with Sports Brief, Naija News and served as Social Lead Editor at Legit.ng. He has also featured on Goal, TVC News, Sports Mole, Topmercato, and Milan News24, among others. He holds a master’s degree and is currently pursuing a PhD. Follow Ayomide on X: @ayo_oguntimehin.