Arsenal's Dutch-Nigerian winger opens account for the season in Papa John's Trophy

Published: September 08, 2021

Dutch-born Nigerian winger Joel Ideho opened his account for the season but scored in vain as Arsenal were beaten 2-1 by the first team of League Two club Swindon Town in their opening game of the Papa John's Trophy on Tuesday.

Four players of Nigerian descent, all aged 18 years, were on parade for the Gunners at The County Ground, with Ideho, Mazeed Ogungbo and goalkeeper Ejeheri handed starts, and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji entering the game as a substitute to replace the goalscorer in the 71st minute.

Former Reading youth team skipper Akin Odimayo, 21, went the distance for the home team.

The deadlock was broken by Mohammad Dabre who managed to stab the home despite the attempts of Ejeheri.

Ideho equalised on 34 minutes with a brilliant strike from just inside the area, his sixth goal for the Gunners youth teams in all competitions since moving from Ajax Amsterdam last October.

Conroy grabbed the winner midway through the second half with a deflected header.

Ejeheri, Ogungbo, Ideho and Butler-Oyedeji wore number 47, 61, 51 and 41 during the EFL Trophy match, same numbers they will wear on the back of their jerseys in the event that they make their senior debuts for Arsenal this season.

Tim Akinola has been training with Arsenal's first team this week and wasn't called up for the clash against Swindon Town.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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