Teenage Anglo-Nigerian-Ugandan GK reveals how he joined Arsenal a decade ago

Anglo-Nigerian-Ugandan goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri has revealed that he made the move to Arsenal a decade ago after he was scouted whilst playing at a tournament.

The 18-year-old rose through the ranks, first starting as a schoolboy, before signing his first professional contract with the Gunners in August 2021.

Ejeheri has risen up the pecking order of goalkeepers at Arsenal's development squad in the last one month following the injury suffered by Karl Hein and manager Mikel Arteta's decision to draft in another Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo as cover for Aaron Ramsdale, with Bernd Leno struggling to overcome a groin issue.

Ejeheri has featured against the first teams of Football League clubs Swindon Town, Newport County and Ipswich Town in this season's Papa John's Trophy.

The young glovesman revealed that he always wanted to be a goalkeeper unlike some other goalkeepers that started their careers as outfield players.

Speaking to Arsenal's Matchday Programme, Ejeheri said : "Maybe it’s the appeal of scoring goals and doing tricks that puts people off being a keeper, but I remember when I was playing for my first-ever team and they asked me to come outfield... I just stood there and refused to take my gloves off! I’d found my position and that was that.

"Even when I lost my first game 3-0 and cried after every goal that we conceded, it still didn’t put me off. I was only five at the time!"

He added : "Not long after that first game I was scouted by Arsenal at a tournament and after experiencing life with a couple of the other London clubs, I officially joined the club aged eight and I’ve been here ever since."

Arteta picked Ejeheri as the 21st or extra player for the 1-0 win over Watford in the Premier League on November 7.

Igho Kingsley