Four Nigerian Talents Rub Shoulders With Martinelli, Two Arsenal First Team Stars In Loss To Wimbledon

Published: December 09, 2020

Four players of Nigerian descent were on parade at Plough Lane in London as Arsenal were knocked out of the Papa John's Trophy following their 3-0 loss to League One side AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Gunners manager Steve Bould handed starts to fullback Ryan Alebiosu, central midfielders Miguel Azeez and Tim Akinola, while winger Joel Ideho entered the game as a substitute in the 78th minute.

Brazilian teenage sensation Gabriel Martinelli made his return from injury and was joined in the starting lineup by two other Arsenal first team stars in William Saliba and Sokratis.

The Dons marched into the last 16 thanks to a superb display in the second half, scoring through Ryan Longman, Paul Osew and Joe Pigott.

Arsenal finished the match with nine men as Akinola and Saliba were sent off in the 79th and 89th minute respectively.

The Nigerian-born midfielder, who was in great form ahead of this fixture, received his first caution in the 70th minute and saw red after picking up a second yellow card for kicking the ball away from a free-kick.

A fifth player of Nigerian in descent in Republic of Ireland U19 international Mazeed Ogungbo was an unused substitute for Arsenal U21s.

Igho Kingsley

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