Two Super Eagles prospects were named in Mikel Arteta’s Carabao Cup squad against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night, and both teenagers repaid the manager’s faith with impressive performances.
Ethan Nwaneri and Josh Nichols featured for the Gunners as the London club recorded a convincing 5-1 victory over the League One side to advance to the next round of the EFL Cup.
Super Eagles hopefuls Nwaneri and Nichols shine in Carabao Cup clash
Nwaneri, the youngest player to ever feature in a Premier League game, showed qualities beyond his age grade against Bolton, marking his first competitive start for the Arsenal senior team with a brace.
The 17-year-old midfielder got on the end of a Raheem Sterling low cross to put the ball into an open net from five yards out.
The Nigerian-born teenager would then complete his brace after benefiting from Declan Rice’s high press, to slot the ball past the Bolton goalkeeper, becoming the youngest player to score multiple goals in his first Arsenal start in the 21st century.
While Nwaneri shined on his first start for the Gunners, another lad of similar background, Nichols, also made an impressive debut appearance for the Arsenal senior team at right back.
The 18-year-old defender won both his duels and also made two clearances. He had an 88% pass accuracy while playing the entire game, per Sportskeeda.
