Promising goalkeeper Okonkwo watching Arsenal battle Brighton & Hove from the stands

Published: May 23, 2021

Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has to wait for his English Premier League debut, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The Hale End Academy product arrived with the first team squad to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon, and probably warmed up with the two goalkeepers named in the matchday squad before the start of the game.

Manager Mikel Arteta has gone for Bernd Leno as the starting goalkeeper with Iceland national teamer Runar Alex Runarsson providing cover, leaving Okonkwo out of the matchday 20.

Okonkwo was one of the five Nigerian youngsters involved in the Gunners penultimate workout at London Colney on Friday, the others being Folarin Balogun, Miguel Azeez, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Mazeed Ogungbo.

None of the aforementioned Anglo-Nigerian teenagers have been included in the matchday squad, with Arteta opting to field a strong lineup.

Qualification for European competition is out of Arsenal's hands but with their recent form it remains a possibility if other results go their way.

Arsenal, who had 58 points heading into the final round, can finish no higher than seventh and start the day in ninth.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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