Nigerian Teenager Shines for Arsenal Youth Team
The Nigerian Football Federation and Super Eagles scouts have been put on high alert after Mishel Nduka, a talented midfielder with Nigerian roots, delivered an outstanding performance for Arsenal's U16 team. The young star scored a remarkable hat-trick during their 5-2 victory over Norwich City in the Premier League Cup, showcasing his immense potential.
Rapid Rise at Arsenal Academy
Since joining Arsenal from Charlton Athletic in September 2025, Nduka has made an immediate impact at the North London club. According to reports from Arsenal Youth, all three goals in his hat-trick demonstrated his lethal finishing ability and intelligent movement inside the penalty area.
The midfielder's rapid development has been nothing short of spectacular. After spending eight years at Charlton Athletic, his transition to Arsenal's elite youth system has been seamless. He has already featured prominently in Arsenal's recent triumph at the Premier League U16 National Finals held at St George's Park.
Nduka's performances have been so impressive that he recently received an invitation to train with Arsenal's U19 squad, indicating the club's strong belief in his potential. Before choosing Arsenal, the young talent had attracted interest from Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers, making his decision to join the Gunners appear particularly astute.
International Future in the Balance
The Nigerian Football Federation is closely monitoring Nduka's progress as part of their strategy to identify and secure foreign-born players eligible to represent Nigeria. Although the midfielder has already been involved with England's U15 national team, Nigeria hopes to convince him to wear the green and white of the Super Eagles in the future.
If Nduka continues his current trajectory, he could follow in the footsteps of other foreign-born Nigerian stars like Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, William Troost-Ekong, and Cyriel Dessers, who have all made significant contributions to the national team.
Arsenal is expected to offer Nduka a scholarship contract ahead of the 2026/27 season, ensuring he remains within their development pathway. His combination of technical skill, composure in front of goal, and experience in competitive youth tournaments makes him an exciting prospect for both club and country.
In another development highlighting Arsenal's growing connection with Nigerian football, the club has also confirmed the signing of 14-year-old midfielder Emmanuel Ahaneku from Coventry City, who will join their prestigious Hale End Academy.
