Arsenal-owned Nigerian goalkeeper makes senior debut aged 20 years and 324 days

Arsenal-owned Nigerian goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has made his senior debut, a day after his signing was confirmed by Crewe Alexandra, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Aged 20 years and 324 days, the Hale End Academy graduate started for the Railwaymen as they defeated Rochdale 2-1 in the opening round of matches in the EFL League Two.

It was an impressive performance by Okonkwo considering that he trained with his new teammates for only one day before the trip to the Crown Oil Arena.

Daniel Agyei opened his account for the season in the fourteenth minute as he guided a header into the top corner and Brook doubled the advantage midway through the first half when he rifled a shot into the bottom corner.

Rochdale pulled a goal back through Devante Rodney, who slotted home from close range in the 69th minute.

In the 75th minute, Okonkwo pulled off a fantastic stop to deny James Ball from close range and three minutes from time, Brierley's free-kick was flicked goalwards by Sinclair but held by the Arsenal loanee.

Prior to his senior debut today, the 6ft 6in glovesman was named in ten matchday squads at Arsenal, including three in the Europa League, without getting a taste of action.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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