Young Nigerian talents get a taste of senior football as Arsenal prepare for Carabao Cup final.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta promoted two teenagers of Nigerian descent to first team training on Friday, just two days before the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City FC at Wembley.
Second-year scholar Josh Ogunnaike (17) and young professional Ife Ibrahim (18) were involved in the second part of the session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, as reported by youth team insider Jeorge Bird.
The duo trained alongside Arsenal first-team stars, including Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, giving them valuable exposure to top-level professionals.
Ogunnaike, a left-back by trade, has been with Arsenal since age 13 and is described as an attack-minded, powerfully built fullback. He has faced senior opposition this season in the EFL Trophy, appearing against Exeter City FC and Cardiff City FC.
Ibrahim, meanwhile, has regularly trained with the first team this season and made his senior debut in the Champions League against Kairat Almaty in January 2026. He also received a senior call-up for the FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town FC, though he remained an unused substitute.
Ogunnaike and Ibrahim rubbing shoulders with first-team stars is a clear signal of Arsenal’s intent to integrate their promising Nigerian talents into the senior setup ahead of major fixtures.
