Arsenal’s promising young goalkeeper Khari Ranson, who is eligible to represent Nigeria and Ghana, has made his debut for England’s U18 national team.
Born in London to a Nigerian father and a Ghanaian mother, Ranson’s international future remains open, but the English FA appears to have taken the lead in securing his allegiance, having previously capped him at U16 level.
Ranson featured in Saturday’s match against France U18s, coming on at half-time to replace Chelsea’s Jack Austin. England raced to a 2-0 lead with early goals from Leo Shahar and Joshua Sonni-Lambie. However, Ranson’s debut didn’t go entirely as planned, as he conceded twice in quick succession to Enzo Molebe, who levelled the game with goals in the 71st and 76th minutes.
Another player of Nigerian descent, West Ham United’s Chukwuemeka Adiele, also impressed during the match, providing the assist for England’s opening goal.
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Interestingly, Ranson began his football career as a midfielder and central defender before transitioning into goalkeeping. He recently signed a scholarship contract with Arsenal ahead of the 2024-2025 season, joining fellow Nigerian-origin prospects Ife Ibrahim, Joshua Ogunnaike, and Samuel Onyekachukwu.
Editorial
Khari Ranson’s debut for England U18s is a story of promise and potential but also a reminder of how quickly Nigeria could lose out on another top talent if swift action isn’t taken. With eligibility for three nations Nigeria, Ghana, and England the battle for Ranson’s international future has begun in earnest.
The goalkeeper’s talent is clear, and even though his debut for England’s U18s came with a learning curve, the experience will serve him well. His journey from outfield positions to goalkeeper shows his adaptability and football intelligence, two traits that any national team would be lucky to have.
We strongly encourage the Nigeria Football Federation to take notice. Waiting until players are fully integrated into another national system has cost Nigeria dearly in the past. Ranson is young, developing, and still open to influence. Now is the time to establish a connection, invite him to youth camps, and show him that his international future could be bright with the Super Eagles.
The race for dual-eligible talent is highly competitive. Nigeria must be proactive and ambitious to ensure the best players proudly wear the green and white.
Did You Know?
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- Khari Ranson began his football journey as a midfielder and only switched to goalkeeping when his youth team lacked a keeper.
- He is part of a group of Arsenal academy scholars for the 2024–2025 season that includes several players of Nigerian descent.
- England U18s coach Liam Bramley is known for giving opportunities to young, dual-national talents.
- Chukwuemeka Adiele, who assisted England’s opener in the same match, is also eligible for Nigeria and has been scouted by NFF representatives.
- The last dual-national goalkeeper to choose Nigeria over other countries was Maduka Okoye, who was previously eligible to play for Germany.
