Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta assessed two teenage defenders of Nigerian descent ahead of his side's Carabao Cup quarterfinal against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spanish tactician observed Josh Nichols and Josh Ogunnaike closely during Monday's training session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney. 

Both players were involved in a gym session prior to taking to the pitch.

Ogunnaike, 17, an offensively minded left-back, has played eighteen matches for Arsenal’s youth teams this season, including appearances in the U18 Premier League, UEFA Youth League, EFL Trophy and FA Youth Cup.

Nichols, a right-back by trade, has been called up to train with the first team multiple times this month but is yet to make his season debut. 

The 19-year-old made his senior debut in last season's Carabao Cup, displaying maturity beyond his years as Arsenal thrashed Bolton Wanderers in the third round. 

He travelled with the first team to Belgium for the Champions League clash with Club Brugge, though he remained an unused substitute.

Ethan Nwaneri, along with wingers Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, both formally on the radar of the Nigeria Football Federation, were also seen training with the first team ahead of the Crystal Palace clash.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel