Final day: Three Nigerians leave Arsenal after spending a combined 26 years at the club

Today, Monday, June 30, marks the final day of three Nigerian footballers as Arsenal players, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

Goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo, midfielder Zacariah Shuaib and striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji have all been released by Arsenal ahead of the start of pre-season, bringing an end to a combined 26 years of service at the club.

Butler-Oyedeji spent 14 years on Arsenal's books, while Okonkwo and Shuaib were part of the academy setup for nine and three years respectively.

Okonkwo and Shuaib are set to depart the north London club without an appearance for the senior team, though they were called up for first team training on multiple occasions.  

Brian, the younger brother of former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, signed a scholarship deal with the club in the summer of 2022, while Shuaib was part of the intake for the 2023–2024 season.

Butler-Oyedeji made two senior appearances in 2025, debuting in the UEFA Champions League against Dinamo Zagreb and later featuring in a Premier League clash with Ipswich Town.

The 22-year-old featured in 27 matchday squads over the course of last season, including 14 in the Premier League.

Shuaib has undergone trials with Brighton & Hove Albion and Spanish side Real Sociedad, while Butler-Oyedeji has been linked with potential moves to clubs in Austria and Denmark.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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