England U18 head coach, Neil Ryan has unveiled a 27-man list for the team’s international engagements this October, with six players of Nigerian descent earning call-ups.
The players include goalkeepers Owen Asemota and Lanre Awesu, defender Wesley Okoduwa, midfielders Ifeoluwa Ibrahim and Landon Emenalo, as well as striker Chizaram Ezenwata. They will feature in a double-header against France at St. George’s Park.
Landon, a Chelsea youngster, is the son of former Super Eagles left-back Michael Emenalo, who featured at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. He is eligible to represent England, Nigeria, and the United States.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Wesley, son of ex-Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Okoduwa, also qualifies for three nations. While Landon was born in Arizona, Wesley was born in New York City in May 2008.
The Young Lions, as part of preparations for the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, will face France on Thursday, October 9, before the reverse fixture on Sunday, October 12, both at the National Football Centre.
The call-ups bring the number of Nigeria-eligible players in England’s youth teams to 15 across different age grades, reflecting the strong presence of Nigerian talents in European football.
Those listed include Ethan Nwaneri and Tyrique George at U21 level, Somto Boniface, Eyimofe Jemide, Jayden Meghoma, and Jamaldeen Jimoh at U20, as well as Khari Ranson, Callum Olusesi, and Rio Ngumoha at U19. The U18 squad features Asemota, Awesu, Okoduwa, Emenalo, Ibrahim, and Ezenwata.
