Confirmed: Three Nigerians among twenty players released by Arsenal

Through a statement on the official website, Premier League giants Arsenal have announced their released list following the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season. 

Of the twenty players released by the Gunners, three are eligible to represent Nigeria's national teams.

The Nigerians let go include forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo, and midfielder Zacariah Shuaib

With the exception of Butler-Oyedeji, the other two players of Nigerian descent will depart the Emirates Stadium upon the expiry of their contracts on June 30, 2025 without making their senior debut.

Butler-Oyedeji joined Arsenal’s academy at the age of eight and progressed through the youth system to earn his senior debut in a UEFA Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb. 

He later featured in the Premier League for the first time in April, coming off the bench against Ipswich Town.

The 22-year-old enjoyed loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town during his time at Arsenal.

Brian Okonkwo, younger brother of Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, had multiple loan spells at non-league clubs 
Hitchin Town, Leatherhead and Cheshunt.

Although he is leaving without making his senior debut for Arsenal, he trained with their first team several times.

Zac Shuaib's football journey began at the age of seven with Chiswick Youth.

He went on to represent Hanwell FC, Focus Football, London Colney Colts, and Tottenham Hotspur before joining Arsenal’s prestigious Hale End Academy in March 2022.

Also eligible for England, Spain and India, Shuaib trained with Brighton & Hove and Real Sociedad in the second half of last season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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