The English Football Association has unveiled the Young Lions’ squads for the start of the 2025–26 season, with no fewer than 17 players of Nigerian descent earning call-ups across the U21, U20, U19, U18, U17 and U16 categories.
Arsenal prodigy, Ethan Nwaneri, who featured in England’s triumphant U21 European Championship campaign in June, headlines the list.
He is joined in the U21 squad by Chelsea forward Tyrique George, who is set for his debut at this level when England face Kazakhstan in a European qualifier.
At U20 level, four Nigerian-eligible players have been selected by head coach, Ben Futcher for a friendly against Italy in Chesterfield.
They include Crystal Palace defender, Eyimofe Jemide, Rangers fullback Jayden Meghoma, Aston Villa midfielder Jamaldeen Jimoh and Manchester City striker Justin Oboavwoduo.
Tottenham Hotspur youngster Callum Olusesi is part of the U19 squad heading to Spain for a training camp at the Pinatar Arena, where the Young Lions will test themselves against Ukraine, Spain and the Netherlands.
Chelsea’s Chizaram Ezenwata, who had been on the radar of the Nigerian Football Federation, has instead opted to stay with England and was named in the U18 team for the Costa de la Luz International Tournament.
He lines up alongside Liverpool’s Rio Ngumoha and West Ham goalkeeper Lanre Awesu, with fixtures scheduled against Uzbekistan, Morocco and Canada.
The U17s also have strong Nigerian representation, with Sam Alabi of Newcastle United and Everton’s Malik Olayiwola included in Liam Bramley’s squad for games against Venezuela, Israel and Germany.
At U16 level, five Nigerian talents were selected: Emmanuel Fejokwu (West Ham), Shadrach Ekiugbo (Liverpool), David Eze (Manchester City), Josh Abe (Liverpool) and Trey Faromo-Azeez (Chelsea). They will feature in a two-game series against Italy on August 26 and 28.
The record number of call-ups underlines the depth of Nigerian heritage within English football’s youth setup, with Premier League and Rangers academies contributing significantly to the pool.
