Nelson Semedo out: Son of 2003 African Games star, Okoduwa in line to make PL history v Arsenal
Published: April 20, 2024England U16 international of Nigerian descent Wesley Okoduwa is in line to make Premier League history on Saturday evening when Wolverhampton Wanderers take on Arsenal at the Molineux Stadium in the West Midlands.
A right-back by trade, Wesley, 15, is the son of former Shakhtar Donetsk and Arsenal Kyiv striker Emmanuel Okoduwa, who played a key role as Nigeria won the silver medal at the 2003 African Games, scoring against South Africa and Senegal in the group stage.
Wolves are facing an injury crisis before the visit of the Gunners, with as many as nine first team players either doubtful or unavailable for selection, including first choice right-back/wing-back Nelson Semedo who is recovering from a muscle-related injury.
Another fullback in Rayan Aït-Nouri faces a late fitness test before the matchday 34 fixture.
Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil revealed in his pre-match press conference that Wesley Okoduwa has trained very well and is set to be included in the gameday squad against Arsenal.
Should he receive playing time this evening,, Okoduwa will etch his name into the history books as the youngest player to represent Wolves in the Premier League, aged 15 years and 344 days.
Anthony Forde set a record as the youngest ever player to represent Wolves in the Premier League, aged 18 years and 10 days, when he came off the bench for the last fifteen minutes of a 3-0 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on November 26, 2011.
Okoduwa received his first call-up for a Premier League game against Newcastle United last month but was a non-playing substitute.
He has already made his competitive debuts for Wolves U18s and development squad whilst still a schoolboy which is proof of how highly he is rated by the coaching staff.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit: wolves.co.uk
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Report: Man Utd ahead of Arsenal, Liverpool in the race to sign former Super Eagles invitee
- Bayern Munich interested in signing Arsenal's history-making teenage striker of Nigerian descent
- Nottingham Forest get Awoniyi boost as Nuno Espírito Santo delivers positive fitness update
- Official: Versatile midfielder Lawal returns to parent club Celtic after loan spell at EFL club
- Aston Villa join Crystal Palace, Trabzonspor in race to sign Super Eagles striker
- What to look for in a plastic surgeon: A patient's guide
- Retained and released list: Swindon Town make decisions on four Nigerians including ex-Flying Eagles star
- Evoplay's 'penalty shoot-out': A thrilling blend of instant win gaming and football fervor
- 2019 Golden Eaglets invitee Akande battles Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Newcastle starlets for PL award
- The future of BlueChew: Trends and developments in ED treatment options
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football