Carl Ikeme's Record Intact As Highly-Rated Youngster Is Omitted From Arsenal's Match Day 18 Vs Wolves

Published: April 24, 2019

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that young Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will not make his professional debut for Arsenal when they take on Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The 17-year-old was among the three players of Nigerian descent that trained with the Gunners first team on Tuesday ahead of their trip to WV1 4QR, the others being Bukayo Saka and Alex Iwobi.

Despite making the provisional roster as the third goalkeeper, Arsenal manager Unai Emery has omitted Okonkwo from the traveling party to Wolverhampton.

Aged 17 years, 7 months and 15 days, the Hale End Academy graduate would have become the youngest Nigerian goalkeeper to debut in the Premier League if he had featured against Wolves.

Retired Super Eagles glovesman Carl Ikeme still holds the record of being Nigeria's youngest goalkeeper to feature in the Premier League, aged 25 years, 11 months and 5 days when he made his maiden appearance vs Wigan Athletic on the final day of the 2011-2012 season.

Okonkwo will now turn his attention to preparing for Arsenal U23s last game of the season against Leicester City on Friday, April 26.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com