Teenage Nigerian GK Included In Arsenal Traveling Squad For Europa League Clash Vs Napoli

Published: April 17, 2019

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that two former England U16 internationals of Nigerian descent have been named in Arsenal's provisional squad for their Europa League quarterfinal second leg clash against Napoli on Thursday, April 18.

Apart from Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was told by first-team coach Unai Emery on Tuesday that he had been included in the traveling party to Naples.

This website can exclusively report that there are concerns over the fitness of experienced goalkeeper Petr Cech even though he has started and gone the distance in the last five matches contested by the Gunners in the Europa League.

In the light of the foregoing, Okonkwo has been drafted into the first-team squad for the match against the Italian Serie A outfit but he is unlikely to be included in the starting lineup.

The 17-year-old has earned rave reviews for his performance in his last three games for Arsenal U23s in the Premier League 2, posting shutouts against West Ham United and Derby County, and making crucial saves in the win vs Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Okonkwo traveled with Arsenal first-teamers for a training camp in Dubai last month but didn't feature in the friendly against Al Nasr.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com