Fresh from signing a new contract with his boyhood club Arsenal, English-born Nigerian midfielder Ife Ibrahim was invited to train with the first team on Tuesday, on the eve of the Gunners' UEFA Champions League clash with Kazakhstani side Kairat Almaty.

Wednesday's fixture at the Emirates Stadium carries historical significance, marking Kairat Almaty's first-ever visit to England. 

The only previous meeting between a Kazakhstani club and English opposition came in 2019, when Astana faced Manchester United in the UEFA Europa League.

Arsenal confirmed on Tuesday that Hale End Academy graduate Ibrahim has signed his first professional contract, eleven years after initially joining the club. 

The 18-year-old is eligible to feature in the Champions League, having been registered on List B as an U21 academy player. 

However, he is yet to receive a call-up for a Champions League match and has not been selected for Premier League, FA Cup or Carabao Cup fixtures.

Ibrahim was not the only Nigerian teenager involved in first-team training, with Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird reporting that defender Josh Nichols and forward Andre Harriman-Annous also took part in the latter stages of the session at London Colney.

Arsenal are aiming to make history by becoming the first team to record eight league-phase victories since the format was introduced last season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com