EFL Trophy : Anglo-Nigerian striker nets brace for Arsenal in win v Cambridge United

Arsenal U21s started their Papa John's Trophy campaign with an impressive 2-0 road win against League One side Cambridge United at Abbey Stadium on Tuesday, with several players of Nigerian descent on parade for both teams.

Zach Awe was joined in Arsenal's starting lineup by James Olayinka, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Tim Akinola and Joel Ideho, while Tottenham Hotspur academy product Jubril Okedina and Fejiri Okenabirhie started for the home team.

A brilliant individual display from Anglo-Nigerian striker Butler-Oyedeji helped Arsenal secure three points.

The in-form midfielder Olayinka had the first chance of the game to open the scoring, but his free-kick was tipped over by goalkeeper Mannion in the fourth minute, before Lankester was booked for a challenge on Akinola at minute 13.

The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when Butler-Oyedeji slammed the ball into an empty net after the goalkeeper mishandled a high ball. 

The second goal arrived in the 57th minute and it came from the boot of Butler-Oyedeji, who netted his first career brace for the Gunners U21s in the process.

Nine minutes later, he was denied a hat-trick when his long-range effort hit the woodwork.

Arsenal's next game in the EFL Trophy is against Ipswich Town on September 20.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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