Red-hot Nigerian forward nets game-winning goal for Arsenal on UYL debut against PSG

Promising Nigerian forward Andre Annous was the standout performer as Arsenal triumphed over PSG in the UEFA Youth League.

On his debut in the UEFA Youth League, Annous netted the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Meadow Park and it meant he has now found the net in three consecutive matches for Arsenal youth teams. 

Three teenagers of Nigerian descent were included in the Gunners gameday squad, with Annous being joined by Samuel Onyekachukwu and Cam'ron Ismail for the match against PSG.

While Annous started the match, Onyekachukwu and Ismail remained unused substitutes as the Gunners achieved their first victory of the tournament this season.

Arsenal began the game with high intensity and determination to bounce back after a disappointing 4-1 loss to Atalanta in their opening match, a result that was deemed unacceptable for the English club.

After controlling the early stages of the match, Arsenal took the lead when Annous scored.

The 16-year-old found the net in the 19th minute with a right-footed shot from the center, assisted by Michael Rosiak.

The goal marked Annous's first of the tournament this season and he was substituted for Romari Forde with six minutes remaining. 

This goal proved crucial, as neither team managed to score again despite several promising attacking efforts.

Since the beginning of the 2024/2025 season, Annous has been a standout for the Gunners, demonstrating impressive versatility and consistent performances.

In the U18 English Premier League, he has scored five goals and provided two assists in just four matches.

With these achievements, he aims to follow in the footsteps of Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri, two players of Nigerian descent who have excelled in the youth team and made first-team appearances for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.

Adeyemi Adewale

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