Nigerian Left-back Who Grew Up Supporting Man Utd Reveals How He Ended Up At Arsenal

Nigeria-eligible left-back Mazeed Ogungbo has given an insight to how his transfer to Arsenal happened at U14 level though he admitted that he grew up supporting Manchester United.

A Republic of Ireland youth international, the defender was playing grassroots football before he was spotted by Arsenal scout Brian Stapleton, the same talent spotter who discovered former Arsenal trainee now at Southampton, Nathan Tella.

A second year scholar, Ogungbo has debuted for Arsenal in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2, and he had arguably his finest moment in an Arsenal shirt when he netted the winner against Rotherham United in the FA Youth Cup exactly a week ago.

"Back then I was an attacking player and I'd often play on the wing or as a No 10 for my Sunday league team," Ogungbo told Arsenal's Matchday Programme.

"I was with them until I was 13 when I was spotted by Brian Stapleton.

"I used to have the freedom to kind of do what I wanted in that team and I really enjoyed playing for them.

"I scored a few goals and got a couple of assists that day, so I knew I played well, but I was actually a little worried because I'd normally play better and knowing that there was a scout watching, I felt like I should have scored more!"

He continued : "It wasn't until a week later that Arsenal contacted my club and told me they wanted me to join.

"Of course, I was buzzing, but I was shocked more than anything. Arsenal wanting me? It's crazy!

"When I joined, there were obviously quite a few of the lads that are still here today. Miguel Azeez, Kido Taylor-Hart, Alex Kirk and Nathan Butler were all here."

Ogungbo, who has trained with Arsenal's first team this year, picked Manchester United when asked to reveal the team he supported as a child.

Igho Kingsley