The English Football Association have announced the Young Lions’ squads for the opening internationals of the 2025–26 season, with seventeen Nigeria-eligible players receiving call-ups, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
Arsenal midfielder Ethan Nwaneri and Chelsea forward Tyrique George have been named in England U21s’ 23-man squad for a European Championship qualifier against Kazakhstan.
Nwaneri was part of the England side that won the European U21 Championship in June, while George will be seeking his debut at this level after representing the country from U16 to U19 level.
At U20 level, head coach Ben Futcher has included four Nigeria-eligible players in his squad for a friendly against Italy in Chesterfield.
Crystal Palace defender Eyimofe Jemide, Rangers fullback Jayden Meghoma, Aston Villa midfielder Jamaldeen Jimoh and Manchester City forward Justin Oboavwoduo have all been called up.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Callum Olusesi features in the U19 squad for a training camp in Spain, where the Young Lions are set to face Ukraine, Spain and the Netherlands at the Pinatar Arena.
Despite recently flirting with the Nigeria national team, Chelsea striker Chizzy Ezenwata was a surprise inclusion in the England U18 squad for the Costa de la Luz International Tournament in Spain.
He is joined by Liverpool talent Rio Ngumoha and West Ham goalkeeper Lanre Awesu.
Neil Ryan’s team will take on Uzbekistan on September 3, Morocco on September 6 and Canada on September 9.
In the U17s, Newcastle United midfielder Sam Alabi and Everton prospect Malik Olayiwola have both been selected in Liam Bramley’s 23-player squad for games against Venezuela, Israel and Germany.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Fejokwu, Shadrach Ekiugbo, David Eze, Josh Abe and Trey Faromo-Azeez were named in the England U16 squad for a double-header against Italy on August 26 and 28.
Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal) – England U21
Tyrique George (Chelsea) – England U21
Eyimofe Jemide (Crystal Palace) – England U20
Jayden Meghoma (Rangers) – England U20
Jamaldeen Jimoh (Aston Villa) – England U20
Justin Oboavwoduo (Manchester City) – England U20
Callum Olusesi (Tottenham Hotspur) – England U19
Lanre Awesu (West Ham United) – England U18
Chizaram Ezenwata (Chelsea) – England U18
Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) – England U18
Sam Alabi (Newcastle United) – England U17
Malik Olayiwola (Everton) – England U17
Emmanuel Fejokwu (West Ham United) – England U16 , Shadrach Ekiugbo (Liverpool) – England U16
David Eze (Manchester City) – England U16
Josh Abe (Liverpool) – England U16
Trey Faromo-Azeez (Chelsea)- England U16
Source : allnigeriasoccer.com
(vitalnewsngr.com)
