Arsenal loan out Nigeria-eligible Brian Okonkwo to non-league side under a unique one-match deal

ENGLISH Premier League giants Arsenal have loaned out Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo to non-league side Hitchin Town on a one-match release basis that will see him play just a single game for them.

Okonkwo, 17, a Hale End Academy product has joined the Southern League Premier Division Central club on a one-match release loan and is set to return to the Emirates Stadium next week. He is the third Nigerian goalkeeper loaned out by the Gunners in 2023, following in the footsteps of his elder brother Arthur Okonkwo and 2023 Flying Eagles invitee Ovie Ejeheri.

Earlier this year, Arthur Okonkwo joined Austrian Bundesliga club Sturm Graz on January 16 and three days later, Ejeheri completed his move to Finnish top division outfit SJK Seinajoki. Hitchin Town manager Mark Burke desperately needed to sign a replacement goalkeeper after Charlie Horlock was sent off for receiving two yellow cards, so needed to act fast.

Standing at six inches four feet tall, Brian Okonkwo is expected to be in goal for the Canaries on Saturday as they face Nuneaton Borough in the league. A first year scholar, Okonkwo has been at Arsenal from when he was 10 years old.

He made his U18 Premier League debut against Norwich City last month and has also received call-ups for matches in the FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League Cup. His brother Arthur, Okonkwo plated for Crewe Alexandra in League Two on a season-long loan during the last campaign.