Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta handed two teenage prospects of Nigerian descent a taste of first-team action on Friday, just two days before the Gunners face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
Seventeen-year-old second-year scholar Josh Ogunnaike and 18-year-old young professional Ife Ibrahim were involved in the session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, drawing the attention of the Spanish coach.
According to Arsenal youth insider Jeorge Bird, both players joined the latter part of training at London Colney, mingling with established first-team stars, including Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka.
Ogunnaike, a left-back who joined Arsenal at age 13, has been described as an attack-minded, physically strong defender.
While he has yet to feature in a competitive senior match, he has gained experience against senior opposition, coming off the bench in EFL Trophy games against Exeter City and Cardiff City this season.
Ibrahim, a Hale End Academy graduate, has been training regularly with the first team throughout the season.
He made his senior debut in the Champions League against Kairat Almaty in January 2026 and was included in the squad for the FA Cup tie against Mansfield Town, although he remained an unused substitute.
The inclusion of Ogunnaike and Ibrahim in first-team preparations signals Arsenal’s continued focus on integrating promising academy talents into the senior setup ahead of a major cup final.
