3 Young Players Of Nigerian Descent Have Been Offered Scholarships By Arsenal

January 27, 2018 Amaka Chimezie

Arsenal FC Academy is fast becoming home to many players of Nigerian descent. A few months ago, the academy offered scholarship deals to five promising talent with Nigerian roots – including Xavier Amaechi, who recently signed his first professional contract with the club.

While letting go of some players, news emerged two days ago that the club has offered scholarship deals to 10 schoolboys for next season at the academy. And out of excitement, we have profiled three of them who are of Nigerian descent.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka, who has been a standout performer on Arsenal’s under-18 team this season, has scored four goals so far in ten appearances. Often playing at the right-back or left-back, he regularly delivers stellar passes, two of which translated to assists this season.

Although his parents are originally from Nigeria, Saka opted to play for England. He started with England’s under-15 team, made six appearances on the under-16 team and has so far made one appearance on the country’s under-17 team.

Arthur Okonkwo

Known for his good reflexes and his impressive height, 16-year-old goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo has played on England’s under-15 and under-17 teams.

He’s been called up five times to join Arsenal’s under-18 team but was never brought in to play. As a sign that he has the potential to make it to Arsenal’s first team, he was invited by Arsene Wenger to train with the first team a few months ago.

Armstrong Okoflex

Born in Dublin to Nigerian parents before relocating to London, 15-year-old Armstrong Okoflex has made three appearances so far in the Under-18 Premier League. Chelsea, Fulham, West Ham and Tottenham Spurs showed interest in him when he was 11, but he ended up signing for Arsenal.

Okoflex has also played on England’s under-16 and Ireland’s under-15 teams.