Eleven U21 players of Nigerian descent registered by Arsenal for English Premier League

Published: September 11, 2021

Arsenal have submitted their squad list to the Premier League following the conclusion of the summer transfer window, with as many as eleven players eligible to represent the Nigerian national teams making the roster.

The eleven players have been registered as scholars and U21 players who are eligible over and above the squad limit of 25 players.

The Nigeria-eligible players classed as U21 players are Ryan Alebiosu, Tim Akinola, Zachariah Awe, Folarin Balogun, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Henry Timi Davies, Ovie Ejeheri, Joel Ideho, Mazeed Ogungbo, Arthur Okonkwo and James Olayinka.

For the 2021-2022 season, U21 players are young footballers who were born on or after 1 January 2000.

Of the aforementioned players, only Davis, a striker signed from Manchester City this summer, is not on a professional deal but that will change sooner rather than later as his scholarship deal will be automatically upgraded to a pro before the end of the season.

Balogun and Okonkwo earned promotion to Arsenal's first team in the off season after signing new contracts.

The striker has been involved in two of the first three matches played by the Gunners in the Premier League in the new season while the goalkeeper was a reserve option in the last round of matches against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

A 12th player of Nigerian descent in Miguel Azeez also made the Premier League roster but is not eligible to represent Arsenal in the top-flight following his loan move to League One outfit Portsmouth last month.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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