EFL Trophy : Nigeria-eligible midfielder scores for Arsenal in 4-1 rout of Chelsea at Emirates Stadium

Published: January 12, 2022

Arsenal are through to the quarterfinals of the EFL Trophy following a 4-1 rout of Chelsea in a London derby staged at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

Several players of Nigerian descent were on parade for the Gunners with Mazeed Ogungbo, James Olayinka and Ryan Alebiosu handed starts, Tim Akinola and Joel Ideho entered the game as substitutes, and goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri was a non-playing substitute.

As for Chelsea, Norway youth international of Nigerian descent Bryan Fiabema was introduced off the bench with fifteen minutes left on the clock and 2019 Golden Eaglets invitee Prince Adegoke watched proceedings from the bench.

Midfielder Olayinka diverted a shot from a teammate into the net to open the scoring in the tenth minute but had to go off injured midway through the first half after suffering an injury as he blocked a powerful shot.

Jayden Wareham leveled the score from outside the box on 38 minutes after a counter attack but the home team were in front at the break courtesy of Biereth's close range finish in the 42nd minute.

It became comfortable for Arsenal in the second half thanks to goals from Giraud-Hutchinson and Marcelo Flores.

Exciting fullbacks Ogungbo and Alebiosu provided the assists for Arsenal's second and third goals.

Arsenal will face League One side Wigan Athletic in the quarterfinals of the Papa John's Trophy with the game scheduled to take place the week commencing January 24.

Igho Kingsley

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