'My background is Nigerian' - Arsenal CB confirms he's eligible to represent Super Eagles, England, Italy

Arsenal U18s central defender Samuel Onyekachukwu has confirmed that he is eligible to represent three national teams, namely Nigeria's Super Eagles, England and Italy.

Samuel Onyekachukwu, previously known as Samuel Chinedu, began the 2024-2025 season as a first year scholar at the Gunners, alongside Andre Annous, Ifeoluwa Ibrahim and Joshua Ogunnaike, who all have Nigerian blood flowing in their veins.

Arsenal showed their faith in the tri-national youngster by offering him a scholarship despite struggling with an injury in his final year as a schoolboy. 

A strong, right-footed defender who is calm under pressure, Onyekachukwu joined Arsenal from Watford in 2019, after previously representing local side Whetstone Wanderers.

The 2007-born player originally started his career as a winger but was moved to the center back position whilst on trial at Watford, whom he joined at U10 level and was on the books of the club for two seasons. 

He was handed his debut in the U18 Premier League against Fulham in March 2024 and has featured in three matches in the division so far this season. 

Apart from England, Onyekachukwu qualifies to represent Nigeria and Italy through his father and grandmother respectively. 

“I grew up in Finchley, and initially, it was my older brother who played football. Watching him got me interested, and I decided to get involved too,” Onyekachukwu told Arsenal's official webpage. 

"The first time I actually played football was when I was around eight years old. Before that, I was focused on athletics in school—I’ve always had a good burst of speed. 

"My background is Nigerian, but my grandma is Italian, and my mum can even speak the language.”

Onyekachukwu admitted that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was his role model growing up, and described the Dutchman as one of the world's top defenders for many years.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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