Chidozie Obi Martin: Arsenal's Nigerian Youngster Handed Special Jersey After Record Breaking Season

• Chidozie Obi-Martin scored a hat-trick in Arsenal U18s' 5-2 victory over Chelsea
• He broke Folarin Balogun's record for most goals scored for the U18s in a season
• The Nigerian forward cannot sign a pro deal with the Gunners until his 17th birthday

Arsenal U18s celebrated a thrilling 5-2 victory over Chelsea at the Sobha Realty Training Center on Saturday, May 11, largely thanks to the phenomenal performance of Danish-Nigerian striker Chido Obi-Martin.

The talented forward bagged a hat-trick, leading his team to a convincing win and breaking a record in the process.

Obi-Martin's stellar display began with a penalty kick in the 16th minute, which he expertly converted after being fouled in the box.

Chelsea fought back, with Shim Mheuka scoring a stunning long-range goal to level the score.

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However, the young Gunners' persistence paid off, with Max Dowman and Daniel Oyetunde scoring crucial goals to put their team ahead. The Nigerian forward then sealed the deal with two more goals, including a clinical header from a corner kick and a penalty kick in stoppage time.

The 17-year-old's impressive haul of 32 goals in 17 League games has earned him a special shirt, recognizing his achievement as the top scorer in the U18 Premier League in a single season. The feat surpassed Folarin Balogun's previous record, as per TalkSport.

Denmark's U17 national team coach, Jesper Mikkelsen, called Obi-Martin up to the squad for the upcoming European Championship. He had already visited to watch him in action and praised his physical prowess, technique, and ball control.

"He is physically far advanced, and in that way, he can dominate his opponent because he is so physically strong. Although he is a tall and lanky player, don't mistake him because he also has good technique and is really good at controlling the ball and finishing," he said, as reported by All Nigeria Soccer.

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Obi-Martin has already made a significant impact on Denmark's U17 team, scoring 10 goals in 14 appearances since his debut in August 2023.

Obi-Martin pledges allegiance to Denmark

Sports Brief reported that Obi-Martin pledged his 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.

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