Arsenal’s ‘Nigerian Contingent’ Take Part In First Pre Season Trainings For U21s

Arsenal U21s side on Wednesday began their 2022/2023 pre season with nine players of Nigerian descent taking part on the day’s duties reports Prime Business Africa.

Miguel Azeez, Tim Akinola, Mazeed Ogungbo, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Joel Ideho, Zach Awe, James Olayinka, Ovie Ejeheri and Ryan Alebiosu were put through their races by caretaker coach Ken Gillard.

Gillard previously coached Arsenal at U18s level, while last season he combined his duties as U23s assistant coach with also looking after the loan group.

Players of other nationals who took part in the sessions on Wednesday include Matt Smith, Catalin Cirjan, Ben Cottrell, Khayon Edwards, Taylor Foran, Charles Sagoe Jr and Mauro Bandera, James Hillson, Hubert Graczyk.

Daniel Ballard and Marcelo Flores were absent after international duty, while Mika Biereth, who has been linked with a loan move to RKC Waalwijk, also wasn’t involved.

Ghana-born England youth international Jordi Osei-Tutu didn’t take part as he is reportedly finalising his permanent switch to VfL Bochum.

Brooke Norton-Cuffy is away with England at the U19 European Championship, while Nikolaj Moller, Tyreece John-Jules and Zane Monlouis also weren’t pictured in the session.

The latter according to a report on an Arsenal dedicated blog may still be recovering from an injury he suffered towards the end of last season.

The senior side comprising of players who did not feature in the international window between May and June are expected for their first pre season training on Monday, June 27 at London Colney.