Mikel Arteta promoted two teenagers of Nigerian descent to first team training on Friday, two days before his side take on Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. 

Second year scholar Josh Ogunnaike, 17, and young professional Ife Ibrahim, 18, were observed by the Spanish football tactician during yesterday's workout at Sobha Realty Training Centre.

According to Arsenal youth team insider Jeorge Bird, the two Nigerian players participated in the second part of the training session in London Colney. 

Ogunnaike and Ibrahim rubbed shoulders with Arsenal first team stars, including Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka, who were both involved in the training session.

A left-back by trade, Ogunnaike, who has been on the books of Arsenal since he was 13, has been described as an attack-minded, powerfully built fullback.

Although he has yet to receive a call-up for an official first-team match, he has faced senior opposition this season, coming off the bench against Exeter City and Cardiff City in the EFL Trophy.

Ibrahim has regularly trained with Arsenal’s first team this season and made his senior debut in a Champions League match against Kairat Almaty in January 2026.

He also received a senior call-up for the FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town, but the Hale End Academy graduate was an unused substitute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: arsenal.com