Arsenal’s Cam’ron Ismail Dropped from Egypt U20 AFCON Squad
Egypt have announced their final 26-man squad for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, and Arsenal’s Nigeria eligible left-back, Cam'ron Ismail, has been left out. Despite previously training with Egypt’s U19 team a move that suggested a commitment to the North African nation Ismail will not feature at the tournament hosted on home soil from April 27 to May 18.
Born in Islington to a Nigerian father and Egyptian mother, the 18 year old is eligible to represent Nigeria, Egypt, or England. His omission from the squad raises questions about his international future, especially as his contract with Arsenal is nearing expiry, and he is yet to sign a professional deal with the Premier League club.
Aston Villa’s Omar Khedr headlines the Egyptian squad, which includes a mix of local talents from clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Enppi. The top four teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Editorial
Cam’ron Ismail’s absence from Egypt’s U20 AFCON squad is a twist in a still-developing story about one of the most intriguing dual-nationality prospects in African football. Though he accepted a U19 call-up for Egypt, this latest snub could very well be the opening for Nigeria to make their move.
The 18 year old's talent isn’t in question—he’s a standout in Arsenal’s academy. But football politics, timing, and visibility often matter just as much. Egypt's decision to omit him, whether tactical or circumstantial, leaves the door wide open.
For Nigeria, this is a call to action. A young, technically sound full-back with English training and African roots doesn’t come around often. Waiting until players become stars before reaching out has cost Nigeria before. This time, the pathway is clear and perhaps more urgent, given that Ismail’s Arsenal future is also uncertain.
Egypt have announced their final 26-man squad for the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations, and Arsenal’s Nigeria eligible left-back, Cam'ron Ismail, has been left out. Despite previously training with Egypt’s U19 team a move that suggested a commitment to the North African nation Ismail will not feature at the tournament hosted on home soil from April 27 to May 18.
Born in Islington to a Nigerian father and Egyptian mother, the 18 year old is eligible to represent Nigeria, Egypt, or England. His omission from the squad raises questions about his international future, especially as his contract with Arsenal is nearing expiry, and he is yet to sign a professional deal with the Premier League club.
Aston Villa’s Omar Khedr headlines the Egyptian squad, which includes a mix of local talents from clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek, and Enppi. The top four teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
Editorial
Cam’ron Ismail’s absence from Egypt’s U20 AFCON squad is a twist in a still-developing story about one of the most intriguing dual-nationality prospects in African football. Though he accepted a U19 call-up for Egypt, this latest snub could very well be the opening for Nigeria to make their move.
The 18 year old's talent isn’t in question—he’s a standout in Arsenal’s academy. But football politics, timing, and visibility often matter just as much. Egypt's decision to omit him, whether tactical or circumstantial, leaves the door wide open.
For Nigeria, this is a call to action. A young, technically sound full-back with English training and African roots doesn’t come around often. Waiting until players become stars before reaching out has cost Nigeria before. This time, the pathway is clear and perhaps more urgent, given that Ismail’s Arsenal future is also uncertain.