Arsenal hand Nigerian-eligible teenager Josh Ogunnaike first-team training opportunity

Nigerian-eligible defender Josh Ogunnaike has been given another chance to train with Arsenal’s senior squad ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting with Bayern Munich.

The teenage left-back took part in Tuesday’s session on October 20, joining academy players as Mikel Arteta’s team prepared for Wednesday’s Matchday Three fixture at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Ogunnaike’s involvement underlines the opportunities available to young players at Arsenal as they attempt to impress the club’s senior coaching staff. For the defender, it represents a further stage in his development since joining the North London club.

He has already trained with Arsenal’s first team during pre-season, gaining experience of the intensity and expectations involved in working alongside established senior players.

The teenager has also contributed at youth level this season. Ogunnaike has scored once in two UEFA Youth League appearances, making an impact in Arsenal’s campaign in the competition.

His progress will be closely followed by those monitoring the development of Nigerian-eligible players in European football. Arsenal’s continued willingness to involve academy prospects with the senior group has given Ogunnaike further opportunities to learn and demonstrate his ability.

However, being involved in first-team training does not guarantee a place in the matchday squad for the game against Bayern Munich. Ogunnaike has yet to make his senior debut for Arsenal, and his immediate priority remains continued development and making the most of the opportunities offered to him.

Arsenal travel to the Allianz Arena for a high-profile Champions League contest against Bayern Munich, with the focus expected to rest on the established players responsible for producing a result.

Ogunnaike’s presence provides another indication of a young defender attempting to move closer to senior football at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. The next step for the Nigerian-eligible teenager will be to turn his regular exposure to the first-team environment into an opportunity to play at senior level.