Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted promising London-born Nigerian teenager Ife Ibrahim to first-team training on the eve of his side's UEFA Champions League clash against French opponents Lille, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.
The 18-year-old was spotted training with Arsenal's first-team players at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Monday ahead of the Gunners' first home game of the 2026-2027 UEFA Champions League season.
Ibrahim is eligible to represent Arsenal in the Champions League, having been registered on the club's B list.
To qualify for List B, a player must be eligible to play for the club for an uninterrupted period of at least two years since their 15th birthday.
A product of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, Ibrahim has been on the books of the north London club since the age of nine, progressing through the academy ranks before signing a schoolboy contract.
The midfielder made his senior debut in a Champions League clash against Kairat Almaty in January 2026, coming off the bench to replace Christian Nørgaard with a minute remaining.
He also made a substitute appearance for the first team this season, playing five minutes in a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup.
Regarded as a player with leadership qualities, Ibrahim captained Arsenal in their UEFA Youth League encounter with Napoli last month.
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