Why Saka & Six Other Nigerian Players Were Omitted From Arsenal Europa League Squad

Published: September 05, 2019

Premier League club Arsenal have confirmed a 24-man squad for the group stage of the 2019-2020 UEFA Europa League, with no player of Nigerian descent making the cut.

All clubs participating in the Europa League must submit their List A to UEFA by 24:00 CEST on Tuesday 3 September, with a minimum of eight roster spots reserved exclusively for locally trained players.

Bukayo Saka has been left out of the List A so as to free up a roster spot for one of the experienced players in the Arsenal squad.

The Hale End Academy product is an U21 player and is available for selection for the group matches provided Arsenal register him on the List B no later than 24:00CET the day before a match.

And the same applies to six other Nigerian players namely goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, defenders Tolaji Bola, Joseph Olowu and Tobi Omole, midfielder James Olayinka and striker Folarin Balogun.

All the aforementioned players were born after 1 January 1998 and have been playing for Arsenal for any uninterrupted period of two years since their 15th birthday and qualify for the List B.

Unai Emery's side will do battle with Eintracht Frankfurt, Standard Liège and Vitória de Guimarães in Group F of the Europa League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com