Six Nigeria-Eligible Youngsters Train With Arsenal First Team Pre-Newcastle United

Published: January 08, 2021

Six youngsters of Nigerian descent are seemingly in contention to play their first game in the Emirates FA Cup for Arsenal when they take on Newcastle United.

Apart from Folarin Balogun, it is confirmed that midfielder Miguel Azeez, center back Joseph Olowu and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo also took part in the Gunners final workout at London Colney.

Arsenal youth team expert Jeorge Bird has added that Tim Akinola and Ryan Alebiosu were promoted to first team training by manager Mikel Arteta on Friday.

With the exception of Balogun, the aforementioned players have not played a domestic game for Arsenal's first team though Azeez was given a cameo against Dundalk in the Europa League a month ago.

For this season's FA Cup, clubs will be able to name nine players on their bench for the third round tie and use a maximum of five substitutes.

Okonkwo seems set to climb up the pecking order of goalkeepers at Arsenal following the permanent departure of third choice goalie Matt Macey to Scottish Premiership club Hibernian on Friday.

Arsenal are keen to tie down the Hale End Acdemy product to a new long-term deal as his current contract runs out in June 2021.

The defending champions and the Magpies face off at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, starting from 1830 hours.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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