Chidozie Obi Martin: Young Nigerian Arsenal Forward Earns Praise from Club Legend Jack Wilshere

Chidozie Obi Martin: Young Nigerian Arsenal Forward Earns Praise from Club Legend Jack Wilshere

Robert Abong'o
updated at April 16, 2024 at 5:53 AM
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  • Arsenal legend, Jack Wilshere, has been impressed by Chidozie Obi-Martin
  • The Nigerian scored five goals in the U18's 8-1 win over West Ham United
  • Chidozie was born to a Danish mother and a Nigerian dad in Copenhagen

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Former Arsenal midfielder, Jack Wilshere, has lauded Chidozie Obi-Martin after the youngster bagged five goals for Arsenal's Under 18's in their dominant 8-1 victory over West Ham United over the weekend.

The 16-year-old has been on a tremendous goal-scoring spree, scoring an impressive 16 goals in just five games and 27 for the season.

The prolific form has seen him equal Rhys Murphy's record for most goals scored by a schoolboy, set back in 2007.

Arsenal Under-18 striker, Chidozie Obi-Martin, in action in a past match. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane.
Arsenal Under-18 striker Chidozie Obi-Martin has been a consistent scorer this season. Photo: Stuart MacFarlane.
Source: Getty Images

Moreover, he is well on track to match Folarin Balogun's record of twenty-five goals in a single U18 season.

Wilshere was quick to highlight the remarkable improvement in Obi-Martin's game, particularly in his pressing abilities.

"He has improved so much, his hold-up play, back to goal, the way he links, the way he presses as well. He wasn't too keen on pressing but now he is. He's got energy, good pressing, wins the ball back. Credit to him," Wilshere said, as quoted by Arsenal's official website.

Despite speculation surrounding his future and potential moves to European giants Borussia Dortmund or Ajax Amsterdam, Obi-Martin has already committed his immediate future to Arsenal by signing a pre-scholarship deal for the upcoming season.

Often likened to Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus, he has also represented Denmark at the U17 level, although he remains eligible to play for Nigeria or England. Born to a Danish mother and a Nigerian father in Copenhagen, Obi-Martin's upbringing in England led to his decision to represent Denmark internationally.

“It is easier to speak the language because I have lived longer in Denmark, so it just makes better sense. I hope to be able to play in the Danish national team for a long time, so I hope it’s just Denmark," he said as reported by the Daily Post.

Obi-Martin pledges allegiance to Denmark

Sports Brief reported that Obi-Martin pledged his international allegiance to Denmark and dreams of playing for the national team.

He wants to achieve more success with the team than the outgoing golden generation led by Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen and former Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

He is regarded as one of the best young talents in European football.

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Robert Abong'o
Editor - Africa Team
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