The number of Nigeria-eligible players across England’s Young Lions squads has risen to fifteen following the late inclusion of Benjamin Casey in the U18 setup, allnigeriasoccer.com reports
The Crystal Palace forward was initially left out of the squad for the first qualifying round of the 2027 European U19 Championship.
However, U18 head coach Ben Futcher has now drafted him in as a replacement for Ryan McAidoo, who has withdrawn due to injury.
Casey will link up with a talented group that includes Chizaram Ezenwata, Landon Emenalo and Wesley Okoduwa for upcoming fixtures against Bulgaria, Spain and Croatia.
A product of Crystal Palace’s academy, Casey was part of the squad that lifted the U15 National Floodlit Cup during the 2022-2023 season.
His development has continued steadily, earning him multiple first-team call-ups this term, including debut appearances in both the UEFA Europa Conference League and the FA Cup.
In addition to his senior breakthrough this season, the young forward has featured prominently across various youth competitions, including the U18 Premier League, Premier League 2, U21 Premier League International Cup, FA Youth Cup and EFL Trophy.
Updated England squads featuring Nigeria-eligible players
Tyrique George (Everton, loan from Chelsea) – England U21
Ethan Nwaneri (Marseille, loan from Arsenal) – England U21
Olabade Aluko (Leicester City) – England U20
Somto Boniface (Ipswich Town) – England U20
Jayden Meghoma (Rangers, loan from Brentford) – England U20
Joshua Ajala (West Ham United) – England U20
Jamaldeen Jimoh (West Bromwich Albion, loan from Aston Villa) – England U20
Isiah Dada-Mascoll (Manchester City) – England U20
Callum Olusesi (Tottenham Hotspur) – England U20
Khari Ranson (Arsenal) – England U19
Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool) – England U19
Landon Emenalo (Chelsea) – England U18
Wesley Okoduwa (Wolverhampton Wanderers) – England U18
Chizaram Ezenwata (Chelsea) – England U18
Benjamin Casey (Crystal Palace) – England U18
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
