Arsenal U23s lost 2-1 to Bournemouth in their first pre-season game at London Colney on Saturday, July 8.

Six players of Nigerian descent in the shape of Joseph Olowu, Tolaji Bola, Xavier Amaechi, Aaron Eyoma, Tobi Omole and Folarin Balogun featured for the Gunners, with the first four starting and playing only the first half.

On his debut, Balogun, who came on at the start of the second half, leveled the scoreline to 1-1 when he raced through on goal and slotted past the Bournemouth goalie.

Balogun was one of the biggest stars in Arsenal U16s team last season, and particularly impressed at the prestigious ABN AMRO Future Cup, where he found the net against Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

The attacking midfielder, who celebrated his 16th birthday on July 3, has agreed a scholarship deal with Arsenal ahead of the forthcoming season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenalyouth.wordpress.com