'We keep learning' - Arsenal rising star Okonkwo breaks his silence after mistake on unofficial debut

Published: July 18, 2021

Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has broken his silence after a mistake on his non-competitive debut for Arsenal in a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian on Tuesday, July 13.

The England youth international was singled out for criticism following his performance against Hibernian - The Gunners' opening pre-season fixture.

Hibernian took the lead in the 21st minute when Okonkwo failed to deal with a backpass from Cedric and Martin Boyle pounced on the error to open the scoring.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta backed Okonkwo despite the schoolboy error and kept his word by including the promising teenager in the starting lineup for a more high profile friendly against Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers on Saturday.

The 19-year-old redeemed himself against Rangers and only an unstoppable header from Leon Balogun prevented him from keeping a clean sheet in 45 minutes of action.

Okonkwo knows he made a mistake against Hibernian and vowed to learn from it.

Writing on Instagram on Saturday night, the Gunners number 33 said : "First senior pre-season & senior minutes. We keep learning & working".

Okonkwo is expected to fly out with the Arsenal first team to the United States on Wednesday before their first game against Inter Milan in the Florida Cup.

Igho Kingsley

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com