Arsenal-owned Nigerian-born midfielder plays his first senior game in English football

Arsenal-owned Nigerian-born midfielder Tim Akinola played his first senior game in English football as Chesterfield defeated Oldham Athletic 2-0 in a National League match staged at Boundary Park in Greater Manchester on Saturday, September 3.

Having extended his contract in the summer, Arsenal decided to loan out the Nigerian to the fifth tier club on deadline day this past week to continue his development after recovering from a serious ankle injury which required surgery.

Wearing the number four at the back of his jersey, Akinola entered the fray in the 64th minute, replacing Jack Clarke. 

The 21-year-old helped Chesterfield record their first league win at Boundary Park in more than twenty years, and also assisted goalkeeper Lucas post a clean sheet.

Early goals from Jeff King and Joe Quigley secured a win for Chesterfield who are one of two teams undefeated in the new season.

Prior to the trip to Boundary Park, Akinola's only appearance as a professional was against St. Johnstone on February 5, 2022 during his loan spell at Scottish club Dundee United in the second half of last season.

He joined Arsenal from Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2020.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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