It is an achievement worth mentioning as a Nigerian footballer when you get to play for English football clubs, especially for Premier League sides like Arsenal.
English football is often viewed as the most competitive league at club level because of how demanding the league can get, which makes the idea of Nigerian players being considered good enough to play for premier league sides like Arsenal, Manchester United, etc., an important feat.
Arsenal Football Club is considered one of the greatest clubs in English football history, with a club history rich in notable success, with a total of 13 premier league titles that include one golden trophy as a result of an unbeaten run in the premier league, a record of 14 FA Cup titles, two League Cups, and 16 FA Community Shields.
Arsenal has, over time, had players of Nigerian descent play for their side. With that in mind, we have compiled a list of the top 5 Nigerian players that have played for Arsenal in the Premier League.
5. Semi Ajayi
Semi Ajayi joined Arsenal’s youth academy in September 2013 on a two-year deal. However, when he was promoted to the first team, he did not get any chance to play, even though he was on the bench as an unused substitution.
He, however, played 30 games for the youth team, scored once and assisted once as well before his contract expired with Arsenal. We would say that this was not the best run in his career, but he still drew the attention of other English clubs and is still playing football in England for West Bromwich Albion.
4. Folarin Balogun
Although Folarin Balogun is of Nigerian descent, he plays his football for the England under-21 team. Folarin joined Arsenal Football Club at the age of eight and has featured for the youth and senior teams. He appeared in 103 games on the youth team, scored 75 goals, and assisted on 18 others.
Even though he has just featured in 10 games for the senior side, he has successfully scored two goals and made one assist so far. Folarin Balogun is currently on loan to Middlesbrough till the end of the 2021/2022 season of the Premier League.
3. Bukayo Saka
The England youngster is of Nigerian descent, even though he plays his football for the English national side. Saka has become a key player for the Gunners, having featured in 83 games, scoring 14 goals and making 13 assists. His contributions to their FA Cup and Community Shield victories cannot be overstated.
2. Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi, who plays his football at Everton now, has played for the Arsenal side under the leadership of Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery. He had played in 149 games for the Gunners, scoring 15 goals and making 27 assists for the team before his exit.
READ MORE: #UCL: Records Robert Lewandoski Set In Football After Round Of 16 Fixture | SEE DETAILS
1. Nwankwo Kanu
A legend in Nigerian football history and also in the history of Arsenal football club, the achievements of Kanu cannot be measured in just words. He featured in over 190 games for the Gunners, scored 44 goals, and made 29 assists for Arsenal.
Kanu had scored match-deciding goals for the English side, but his most memorable moment at the club, aside from winning trophies, would be his goals that completed a comeback for Arsenal against Chelsea.
