2008-born Nigerian midfielder trains with Arsenal first team pre-Nottingham Forest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted 2008-born Nigerian midfielder Ife Ibrahim to first-team training, just two days before the Gunners resume their Premier League campaign against Ola Aina’s Nottingham Forest, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The North London side have intensified preparations at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney following the international break, with Ibrahim among a handful of academy players drafted in to train alongside senior stars. 

The teenager was pictured rubbing shoulders with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Ben White and Jurrien Timber.

Ibrahim was among five Nigerian players to sign scholarship deals with Arsenal ahead of the 2024–25 season, alongside Andre Harriman-Annous, Joshua Ogunnaike, Samuel Onyekachukwu and Khari Ranson. 

Having turned 17 in January, he is now eligible to sign professional terms with the Gunners.

Although still officially part of the U18s, Ibrahim has already made strides this term, featuring in all three of Arsenal’s Premier League 2 matches. 

Last season, he was a key figure in the side that reached the FA Youth Cup quarterfinals and also made his debut in the UEFA Youth League.

Originally a forward, Ibrahim joined Arsenal in 2016 after being recruited from grassroots club AFC All Stars.

It remains to be seen whether Ibrahim's promotion to first team training will translate into a maiden Premier League call-up when Arsenal face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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