Arsenal boss promotes Nigerian striker to first-team training ahead of trip to PSG

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted promising Nigerian-descent striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji to first-team training ahead of the Gunners' UEFA Champions League semifinal second-leg clash against Paris Saint-Germain, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The tri-national forward, born in London to a Nigerian father and a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines mother, trained with the senior squad at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Monday, as preparations intensified for Wednesday night's crucial encounter at the Parc des Princes.

Butler-Oyedeji, a graduate of Arsenal's Hale End Academy, was part of the matchday squad during the first leg at the Emirates Stadium last Tuesday but did not feature in the game, which ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat for the Gunners.

The 22-year-old made his senior debut for Arsenal in January 2025 during a Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb and earned his Premier League debut in a win over Ipswich Town.

He was spotted training alongside first-team regulars Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, Mikel Merino, and Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.

With Arsenal needing a strong response to overturn the first-leg deficit, Butler-Oyedeji, who has been a standout performer for the youth system, will hope to get a chance to play a major role in Arteta's tactical plans for the decisive second leg.

Meanwhile, PSG will be looking to capitalize on their first-leg advantage as they continue their quest for a maiden Champions League title.

In six previous competitive meetings, PSG have managed just one win against Arsenal, with the North Londoners winning twice and drawing three.

Adeyemi Adewale

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