Three Nigerian Wonderkids Named In Arsenal First-Team Squad For Trip To Dubai

Published: March 21, 2019

Three promising Nigerian teenagers have been included in Arsenal's first-team squad for a warm weather training camp in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

With several players away on international duty, including Alex Iwobi and Bukayo Saka, manager Unai Emery has promoted academy stars Arthur Okonkwo, Xavier Amaechi and James Olayinka to the first team.

Amaechi's inclusion in the traveling party suggests that he has withdrawn from the England U18 squad ahead of their matches against Japan, Czech Republic and Mexico.

Folarin Balogun is in Dubai but with the England U18 squad and was on target in their 4-1 rout of Japan on Wednesday.

Having trained with the first team in the past, the 22-goal striker would have been in contention to travel with the first team but for international duty.

Winger Xavier Amaechi has caught the eye since recovering from a foot injury, having contributed to 5 goals in 8 appearances for Arsenal's youth teams, while midfielder Olayinka has forced his way into the U23 squad this season at the age of 18.

The three aforementioned Nigerian teenagers have signed professional contracts with Arsenal and could make their non-competitive debut for the Gunners when they take on Al-Nasr Dubai SC at Al Maktoum Stadium on March 26.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com