Arsenal boss Arteta picked 2003-born Nigerian GK as 21st player in win vs Watford

Published: November 08, 2021

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Arsenal first team boss Mikel Arteta picked promising Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri as the 21st or extra player for the 1-0 win over Watford in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Ejeheri was spotted warming up with first team goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Bernd Leno just before kickoff at the Emirates Stadium.

The 2003-born glovesman would have been considered for the matchday squad if any of the senior goalkeepers suffered an injury in the pre-match warm up.

Ramsdale, now the undisputed first choice goalkeeper, retained his place in the starting lineup with Leno acting as back-up.

Ejeheri was the player drafted in to bolster the goalkeeping department ahead of the clash against the Hornets after Karl Hein suffered an injury in the closing minutes of the Premier League 2 match against Leicester City on Saturday afternoon.

The Anglo-Nigerian-Ugandan goalkeeper could not replace the 12-cap Estonia international because Arsenal U23s had used up all their substitutes.

Ejeheri joined the Gunners at the age of five and signed his first professional contract before the start of the 2021-2022 season.

He was keen on representing Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup but a medial meniscus injury put paid to his chances of getting a call-up to join a training camp in Abuja.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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