Arsenal and Watford offer Nigeria-eligible teenagers professional contracts ahead of new season

NIGERIA-eligible teenage duo Josh Ogunnaike and Tobi Akinyimika have signed professional contracts with Arsenal and Watford respectively as the growing trend of diasporans coming through the youth ranks at English clubsides continues.

English Premier League champions Arsenal have revealed that Ogunnaike, a towering defender capable of playing at either left-back or centre-back, has signed his first professional contract with the club. He was offered fresh terms at the end of last season following his impressive performances for the youth teams, during which he scored once in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Although Ogunnaike,18,  has yet to make his first-team debut, manager Mikel Arteta invited him to train with the senior squad on numerous occasions last season. Yesterday, he started in central defence as Arsenal U21s were held to a 1-1 draw by Boreham Wood in a pre-season friendly at Meadow Park.

Ogunnaike joined Arsenal's Hale End Academy in 2021 and was in the second year of his scholarship last season. He joins a growing list of Nigerian youngsters who have come through the Arsenal academy system including Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Arthur Okonkwo and Chuba Akpom.

Elsewhere, Tobi Akinyimika, 18, has extended his stay at Watford after signing a new one-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend it for the 2027/28 season. A central midfielder, he  featured for Watford in the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Cup last season, scoring against Charlton Athletic.