Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted three Nigerian teenagers to first team training on Monday, on the eve of his side's UEFA Champions League meeting with Sporting CP in Lisbon.

According to Arsenal youth team insider Jeorge Bird, defender Josh Ogunnaike, goalkeeper Khari Ranson and forward Andre Harriman-Annous were among the academy players invited to train with the first team at Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney.

While 18-year-olds Harriman-Annous and Ranson have been included in a Champions League matchday squad this season, Ogunnaike, also 18, has yet to receive a call-up.

Harriman-Annous made his Champions League debut off the bench in a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in November 2025, while Ranson was an unused substitute i both legs of the round of 16 clash with Bayer Leverkusen in March.

Although Ogunnaike has yet to sign a professional contract with the Gunners, the versatile defender has been a regular participant in first-team training sessions over the past few months.

Arsenal coaches appear to appreciate his versatility, particularly his ability to operate as a centre-back or left-back.

The Londoners are looking to get back to winning ways following consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Southampton in the Carabao Cup final and FA Cup quarterfinals, respectively.

Arsenal have lost just once in their last 11 UEFA encounters against Portuguese opposition.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel