Why Nigeria Should Make A Move For Promising Arsenal Left Back Bola

Published: November 28, 2019

Arsenal's Anglo-Nigerian defender Tolaji Bola has swiftly established himself as the best defenders at the club at the moment, and it is within reason that the NFF should make a move to add such quality as his to one of the national teams.

Originally a left-back by trade, Bola has made sustained progress through the youth teams at Hale End and is already on the cusp of first team breakthrough after he was named on the bench for the League Cup victory against Nottingham Forest in September.

Arsenal youth guru, Jeorge Bird has described the youngster's threat on the break and electrifying pace as 'excellent going forward, with his teasing crosses proving very difficult for opposing defences to deal with'.

Yesterday, the 20-year-old starred for the club's reserves in the Premier League International Cup as they beat Villarreal 3-0 at the Meadow Park, with Bola showing the astute defending side of his game to help the Gunners to a clean sheet.

The acquisition of the 20-year-old by the NFF could really work a treat for the Nigeria U-23 team, while he could also get the chance to learn alongside seasoned fullbacks, the likes of Ola Aina and Jamilu Collins.

There can be little shame in playing second fiddle to Kieran Tierney and Sead Kolašinac, but what Bola can revel in is the trust Steve Bould, Freddie Ljunberg and Unai Emery has shown in him to this moment.

Ahead of a busy December, he could get more look in for the club's senior side based on his impressive showings.

Nigeria has already missed out on the services of two talented youngsters this year in the shape of Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham and will have to act fast and accordingly if they do not wish to see the Arsenal ace follow suit.

Emmanuel Chinaza