Arsenal’s young defender, Joseph Olowu, has opted to represent Nigeria instead of England.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Joseph Olowu of Arsenal in action during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 31: Joseph Olowu of Arsenal in action during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Born in Ibadan before he moved to England when he was a baby, Olowu is a product of the Hale End Academy and would have been included in the Flying Eagles 2019 u20 World Cup squad had he not suffered a serious injury that both ended his season and chances of travelling to Poland for the tournament that is currently underway.

The player is, however, expected to travel out to Poland anyway to meet Nigerian representatives and coaching staff.

It is also claimed that Olowu could leave Arsenal this summer in search of first-team football.

The 19-year-old signed a professional deal when he turned 17 in 2017 but has yet to make an appearance for the senior side although he has trained with them.

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A centreback who is good on the ball, he has 20 appearances for the u23s and captained the u18s.

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