Super Eagles: Who does Ethan Nwaneri bench in Eric Chelle’s XI?

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle could get a significant boost, with Borussia Dortmund star Ethan Nwaneri rumoured to be contemplating a switch of allegiance from England to Nigeria.

​The versatile 19-year-old attacking midfielder was born in England to a Nigerian father and an English-French mother. According to FIFA rules, that makes him eligible to play for any of the three countries.

​However, in the early years of his career, he has been playing for England. He has represented them across the under-16, 17, 19, and 21 levels. But a Three Lions call-up has proven difficult to come by due to his instability at club level and his inability to become a regular starter at either Arsenal or Borussia Dortmund.

​Unfortunately for Nwaneri, England have a lot of options in his positions. Players like Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, and Morgan Gibbs-White are ahead of him in the pecking order.

​With the chances of representing England at this point seeming unlikely, it is no surprise that talk of him switching to Nigeria has come up.

​As of now, it is unconfirmed. For it to happen, he would have to apply to FIFA to officially change his international allegiance, and there is no official confirmation that he has done so yet. But if it works out, it will definitely be a boost for Eric Chelle and the Super Eagles.

​How Does Ethan Nwaneri Fit Into The Super Eagles?

​Ethan Nwaneri would not be the first player to leave England to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Ola Aina is a prime example of that; he represented England at different age-grade levels before switching to the Super Eagles.

​Alex Iwobi is another example, although he never played for England at any level. There are also players like Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Ademola Lookman. These players grew up in England, so integrating into the national team system should be seamless.

​Who Will Ethan Nwaneri Bench?

​Nwaneri can play multiple positions. He can operate as an attacking midfielder, a right winger, or a support striker.

​Luckily for him, Eric Chelle’s setup places high priority on these positions. Any player who comes in and performs well will earn his trust.

​If Nwaneri decides to represent Nigeria, players like Moses Usor, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, and Ademola Lookman will have to be wary of losing their spots in the team, because the 19-year-old has shown immense potential.

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​The Arsenal loanee is very good on the ball, a fine dribbler, and has a keen eye for goal. And as Chelle has shown, once a player comes in and proves their quality and commitment, he does not think twice before handing them a spot in his starting eleven.

​The lad is just 19, so he has many years ahead of him. It remains to be seen whether he will make the decision to switch from England to Nigeria.