Golden Eaglets-eligible goalkeeper Owen Asemota makes competitive debut for Arsenal U18s
In an U18 Premier League match against West Brom on Saturday, April 6, Arsenal’s U18 team was held to a 2-2 draw, marking the competitive debut of goalkeeper Owen Asemota, who is eligible to play for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets.
Asemota’s appearance for Arsenal’s U18s comes just before he is set to join the England U16 squad for the UEFA Development Tournament in Spain, scheduled to take place from April 12 to April 17.
The talented goalkeeper is among three teenagers of Nigerian descent expected to feature in the tournament, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers fullback Wesley Okoduwa and Chelsea forward Rio Ngumoha.
Prior to his debut for Arsenal U18s, Asemota had been called up three times for U18 Premier League games but had not seen playing time in matches against Fulham (twice) and Crystal Palace.
In the match against West Brom, Arsenal opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a goal from Max Dowman, but West Brom quickly equalized through Dan Chimeziri just three minutes later.
However, Arsenal regained the lead in the 26th minute courtesy of a goal from a Denmark U17 international of Nigerian descent, who showcased his goal-scoring prowess with a composed finish. This goal took his tally to an impressive 13 goals from 12 appearances in the division.
Early in the second half, Asemota demonstrated his talent with a brilliant save to deny West Brom’s Adriel Walker from the penalty spot. He followed up with another impressive save to keep out Divine Onyemachi’s effort. However, Arsenal’s hopes of securing a victory were dashed when West Brom’s Archie Kirton scored a 90th-minute equalizer.
Despite the draw, Asemota’s performance was a highlight of the match, showcasing his potential as a promising goalkeeper for Arsenal’s youth team and possibly for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in the future.
