Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Gary O’Neil has included two young Nigerian players in his team for the current Premier League match against Arsenal at Molineux Stadium in the West Midlands. Wesley Okoduwa, the son of former Nigerian striker Emmanuel Okoduwa, and Temple Ojinnaka, who was born in Italy, are both on the substitutes’ bench for the game.
15-year-old Wesley is poised to become Wolverhampton Wanderers’ youngest-ever Premier League player if he takes the field against Arsenal, playing as a right-back. On the other hand, 19-year-old Ojinnaka, a versatile player capable of positions like right-back, central defender, or defensive midfielder, has already showcased his skills across various competitions this season. Described as a robust defensive midfielder who contributes to the team’s build-up play, Ojinnaka signed with Wolves as a scholar in 2021 and later secured his professional contract in 2023.
Manager Gary O’Neil, dealing with several injuries, has included five teenagers on the bench to bolster the squad. Should Okoduwa and Ojinnaka make their Premier League debuts as substitutes, Okoduwa will wear jersey number 61 while Ojinnaka will sport number 57.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
