Four Nigerian youngsters train with Arsenal first team ahead of Champions League clash v PSV

Four Nigerian youngsters participated in first team training at Arsenal on Tuesday, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg clash against Dutch Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

Manager Mikel Arteta ran the rule over Josh Nichols, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Andre Harriman-Annous during the workout at Sobha Realty Training Centre.

History-making attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri was also present in Hertfordshire.

While Nwaneri and Butler-Oyedeji have made appearances in this season's Champions League, Nichols and Harriman-Annous have not been included in a matchday squad. 

His participation with the first team meant Harriman-Annous was not included in Arsenal's U18 Premier League squad for Tuesday's match against Chelsea.

With Arsenal in a strong position from the first leg, Mikel Arteta may use the opportunity to reward academy players like Nathan Butler-Oyedeji with valuable minutes. 

The manager has previously shown faith in young talents, acknowledging their contributions to the squad. 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Spanish football tactician stated that giving game time to the young players is a way of expressing trust and appreciation for their hard work.

Since his appointment as Arsenal coach, Arteta has handed debuts to four Nigeria-eligible players, namely Ethan Nwaneri, Butler-Oyedeji, Miguel Azeez and Josh Nichols.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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