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It has been a meteoric rise for Ethan Nwaneri. At 17 years of age, he has already become the youngest player to debut for Arsenal, the youngest player to appear in the English top-flight, as well as the ninth-youngest goal scorer in Premier League history. A glorious career awaits the English teenager; however, he’s not the first Nwaneri to make his mark in world football.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Obinna Nwaneri (no relation to Ethan) began his development at Julius Berger’s academy and eventually broke into the first-team at the turn of the 21st century. Julius Berger would go from barely escaping relegation in the previous season to claiming the Nigerian Pepsi League title. He emerged as one of the best defenders in the league for the Bridge Boys, capable of zooming around the pitch and snuffing out danger when required. A speedy, controlled defender who knew just the right time to put in a tackle and make a last-ditch intervention, Nwaneri proved vital as they claimed the 2002 Nigerian Cup after defeating Yobe Stars 3–0 in the final.
In 2003, Nwaneri moved to Enyimba and quickly formed a stellar partnership at the back alongside Romanus Orjinta. His natural leadership qualities and composed defensive skillset would see him emerge as one of the first names on the team sheet as Enyimba won a third-straight league title and become the first Nigerian club to win the African Champions Cup. The following year, Nwaneri captained Eyimba as they successfully defended their African Champions League crown by defeating Étoile du Sahel of Tunisia 5–3 on penalties, with Nwaneri scoring the fifth and final spot-kick.
He looked set to join South African side Orlando Pirates only for the deal to break down after they failed to agree on a fee; instead, Tunisian giants Espérance would acquire him in 2005, where he continued his upward development. These promising displays would provide the platform for him to make it to the Nigerian national team, commencing a career that would see him make 35 appearances and play in three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations.
It wasn’t long before European sides came knocking: after claiming the domestic double in Tunisia, Nwaneri took his talents to Switzerland and joined FC Sion in 2007. He would coincide with Switzerland international Gelson Fernandes, who went on to participate in three World Cups and play for the likes of Manchester City and Eintracht Frankfurt. During his time in Europe, Nwaneri made 82 appearances for Sion, was entrusted with the captain’s armband, and even got the chance to play in the 2007/08 UEFA Cup. Three years after Gelson and co. put an end to Sion’s nine-year trophy drought, Nwaneri’s side would erase an early two-goal deficit and defeat Young Boys in the 2008/09 Swiss Cup Final.
Nwaneri left in 2010 and took his talents to the Middle East, making the move to Kuwaiti side Kazma, where he would claim the 2010/11 Kuwaiti Emir Cup. His contract then expired, and after three months as a free agent, he headed to Malaysia, where he would spend the final four years of his career. In his debut season with Kelantan FA, he managed to claim the domestic treble by winning the Malaysian Super League, FA Cup and the Malaysian Cup. He departed in 2014, enjoying spells with Malaysian sides ATM and Perlis FA at the age of 34.
The name Obinna means ‘Father’s heart’ in Igbo, and it’s safe to say that he lived up to his tag across his 16-year professional career. Whether playing as a center back or a right back or even on the rare occasion that he played as an attacker, Obinna always made sure to cover every blade of glass, set an example for his teammates, and make his presence known. It’s why, nearly a decade after hanging up his boots, Nwaneri is still fondly regarded by fanbases in Europe, Asia, and Africa for his heroic performances.
