Five players of Nigerian descent were in action in the U18 Premier League as Arsenal thrashed Liverpool 4-1 at Shenley Training Centre on Saturday afternoon.

Tolaji Bola and Tobi Omole were joined in the Gunners starting XI by England U16 sensation Xavier Amaechi, Netherlands youth international Bobby Adekanye started for the Reds.

Arsenal U18s manager Kwame Ampadu handed a debut to Folarin Balogun when he introduced the midfielder immediately after the intermission.

It should not come as a surprise that the 15-year-old Balogun is now being considered for the U18s squad as he was Arsenal's standout player in this month's ABN AMRO Future Cup, where he scored against Bayern Munich and PSG.

A hat-trick from Charlie Gilmour and an additional tally from John-Jules secured the win for Arsenal, while Lewis scored what turned out to be a consolation for the visitors.

England U16 goalkeeper of Nigerian heritage Arthur Okonkwo was one of the two substitutes not utilized by Arsenal.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenalyouth.wordpress.com