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Arsenal CB confirms Nigerian background, eligible for Super Eagles

Posted : 16 October 2024

Arsenal U18 central defender Samuel Onyekachukwu has confirmed his eligibility to represent three national teams: Nigeria’s Super Eagles, England, and Italy. Previously known as Samuel Chinedu, Onyekachukwu has begun the 2024-2025 season as a first-year scholar at Arsenal, joining fellow Nigerian-descended players Andre Annous, Ifeoluwa Ibrahim, and Joshua Ogunnaike.


Despite facing injury challenges in his final schoolboy year, Arsenal showed confidence in Onyekachukwu by offering him a scholarship. The strong, right-footed defender has demonstrated composure under pressure and joined the Gunners from Watford in 2019 after starting his journey with local club Whetstone Wanderers.


Originally beginning his career as a winger, Onyekachukwu transitioned to a center-back position during a trial with Watford, where he played at the U10 level for two seasons. He made his debut in the U18 Premier League against Fulham in March 2024 and has already participated in three matches in the division this season.


Onyekachukwu qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father and for Italy through his grandmother. He expressed his excitement about his diverse heritage and the opportunity to represent different nations.


“I grew up in Finchley, and it was actually my older brother who got me interested in football. Watching him play made me want to get involved,” Onyekachukwu shared on Arsenal’s official webpage. He recalled his first experience with football at the age of eight, having previously focused on athletics due to his natural speed.


"My background is Nigerian, but my grandmother is Italian, and my mum can even speak the language,” he added, highlighting the cultural influences in his life. 


Growing up, Onyekachukwu looked up to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, considering him a role model. He praised the Dutch defender as one of the world’s best for many years, showcasing the impact of professional players on aspiring talents like himself.

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