2003-born Nigerian forward makes senior debut for Arsenal in win against Dinamo Zagreb

Nigerian forward Nathan Butler-Oyedeji made his senior debut on Wednesday night as Arsenal thrashed Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 to all but qualified for the last sixteen of the UEFA Champions League., allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

With the outcome of the clash at the Emirates Stadium all but decided, manager Mikel Arteta made his final substitution, bringing on the 2003-born player to replace Gabriel Martinelli in the second minute of second half stoppage time.

Prior to the visit of Dinamo Zagreb, Butler-Oyedeji received eleven call-ups for first team games without making his official debut for the Gunners, comprising four in the Champions League, five in the Premier League and two in the FA Cup.

The 22-year-old was rewarded with a senior debut following his recent impressive performances for Arsenal's development squad.

Since the start of the 2024-2025 season, the Premier League 2 Player of the Month for August 2024 has registered fourteen goal involvements (8 goals, 6 assists) for the U21s.

Butler-Oyedeji is the fourth Nigeria-eligible player to be handed a debut by Arteta, following in the footsteps of Ethan Nwaneri, Miguel Azeez and Josh Nichols. 

Declan Rice made it a perfect start for Arsenal when the central midfielder drilled the ball into the back of the net in the second minute to open the scoring.

Kai Havertz doubled the advantage in the 66th minute, heading home after the ball was put on a plate by Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Ødegaard bundled home to close the scoring in stoppage time.

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji played first team football during loan spells at Accrington Stanley and Cheltenham Town.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: arsenal.com

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