Two teenagers of Nigerian descent Josh Ogunnaike and Tobi Akinyimika have signed professional contracts with Arsenal and Watford respectively.
Arsenal announced on Friday that Ogunnaike, a towering defender capable of playing at either left-back or centre-back, has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The versatile defender was offered fresh terms at the end of last season following his impressive performances for the youth teams, during which he scored once in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Although Ogunnaike has yet to make his first-team debut, manager Mikel Arteta invited him to train with the senior squad on numerous occasions last season.
The 18-year-old started in central defence as Arsenal U21s were held to a 1-1 draw by Boreham Wood in a pre-season friendly at Meadow Park on Friday evening.
Ogunnaike joined Arsenal's Hale End Academy in 2021 and was in the second year of his scholarship last season.
Elsewhere, Tobi Akinyimika has extended his stay at Watford after signing a new one-year contract, with the club holding an option to extend it for the 2027-28 season.
The central midfielder featured for Watford in the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Cup last season, scoring against Charlton Athletic.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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