'My family speaks Yoruba' - Versatile Arsenal midfielder confirms he is eligible to represent Nigeria

Arsenal youth teamer Ife Ibrahim has confirmed that he is eligible to represent the Nigerian national teams through his parents.

Predominantly a midfielder, Ibrahim has played nonstop at the Gunners since 2016 after he was poached from grassroots club AFC All Stars and signed a scholarship deal with the north London club for the 2024-2025 season.

The talented teenager turned down potential moves to Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United to join Arsenal eight years ago.

Ibrahim offers versatility as he is capable of playing fullback, composed on the ball and good in 1v1 situations.

He actually started his career as a forward and idolized Real Madrid and Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, before transitioning to a midfielder during his time at Hale End.

In his final season as a schoolboy, he appeared in ten matches in the U18 Premier League, seven of which he started, an indication of how highly he's rated by Arsenal legend Jack Wilshere, who coaches the U18s. 

Speaking to the Arsenal matchday programme for the visit of Leicester City, Ibrahim explained: "I grew up in south London, around the north Greenwich area, and started playing football at the age of seven. 

"My background is Nigerian, and my family speaks Yoruba – I’m definitely a big fan of the culture, especially when it comes to the music, food and traditions.”

Although Ibrahim has represented the Young Lions at U15 level, he is not provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth. 

He will be aiming to make his debuts in the UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2 before the end of the current season.

Ibrahim had an opportunity to train with Arsenal's first team during the international break in September and before the Premier League clash at Tottenham Hotspur. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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