'I'm Born And Raised In Nigeria' - Arsenal's Dual-Eligible Starlet Akinola Clarifies On His Future

Published: September 07, 2020

Arsenal's new kid on the block Tim Akinola has stressed that he is open to representing the Nigerian and English national teams amid speculation in the local media that he would turn down an invitation to the Young Lions.

The international future of Akinola has been the subject of debate in recent weeks following his celebrated move to Arsenal, with whom he has signed a two-year contract without undergoing trials.

"I haven't been called up for either of them at the moment," Akinola told allnigeriasoccer.com when asked to clarify on his international future.

"So I haven't really given it a thought until that time comes then we will have to see but I am born and raised in Nigeria so that says a lot."

Akinola explained why he decided to join Arsenal over his other suitors after passing up the opportunity to extend his contract with Huddersfield Town.

"Arsenal believe in their youth and they have a lot of players who have broken into the first team at a young age so I took that into consideration," Akinola explained.

The central midfielder went on to share one of his goals for the upcoming season, emulating the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Alex Iwobi, Chuba Akpom and Bukayo Saka by making his first team debut for Arsenal.

"Everyone has different paths but that's also motivated me seeing they broke through which makes me believe I can," Akinola said.

The 19-year-old Akinola is in the frame to make his competitive debut for Arsenal's development squad when they face Ipswich Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday, September 8.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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