Man City’s Nigeria-Eligible Nwankwo Named in England U17 Euros Squad

Amarachukwu Nwankwo is heading to the U17 Euros with England — and Nigeria will be watching.

The 16-year-old Manchester City defender was named in manager Kerri Welsh’s 21-player squad for the UEFA Women’s U17 European Championship in Northern Ireland. Born in England but eligible for the Super Falcons through her parents, Nwankwo would need a change of sporting nationality to switch allegiance.

She’s not a stranger to the big stage. Nwankwo came off the bench against Turkey in qualifying, then started against both Croatia and Italy. England are in Group A alongside hosts Northern Ireland, Germany, and Norway.

She’s the third Nigeria-eligible player to feature for England at this level recently — Omotara Junaid and Jane Oboavwoduo both appeared in the 2024 edition.

Nigeria’s talent pipeline runs deep. Whether they can convert it is another question.