Arsenal’s promising young striker, Chido Obi, has made a remarkable impact in the opening match of the Open Nordic Championship in Finland, scoring a four-goal haul for Denmark U17s.

Denmark's U17 team with Chido Obi at number 9
Denmark’s U17 team with Chido Obi at number 9 [image via Danish FA]
  • Arsenal’s promising young striker, Chido Obi, scored four goals for Denmark U17s in the opening match of the Open Nordic Championship, exhibiting exceptional talent.
  • The 15-year-old was offered a scholarship deal by Arsenal for the 2024-2025 season, following his significant contributions to the Gunners U16s and U18s teams.
  • Obi has previously represented both England and Denmark at the U16 level and is also eligible to play for Nigeria.

In the opening match of the Open Nordic Championship in Finland, the youngest player named in the Danish team, 15-year-old Chido Obi, made headlines with his four-goal performance.

His first goal in the 19th minute saw him skilfully bypassing the defender before expertly placing the ball between the legs of the Norwegian goalkeeper.

His second goal in the 31st minute came from a right-footed shot, having received a pass in the 18-yard box.

Displaying his versatility, the young striker netted his hat-trick three minutes into the second half with a perfectly executed header from a precise corner kick.

He completed his haul in the 58th minute with a cool finish following a mistake from the Norwegian defence. The striker’s sensational performance powered Denmark to a resounding 6-2 victory over Norway.

Obi’s journey at Arsenal

Chido Obi celebrating with the Arsenal youth teams (Photo via Obi on Instagram)
Chido Obi celebrating with the Arsenal youth teams (Photo via Obi on Instagram)

The Danish prodigy’s journey at Arsenal began with the Gunners U16s, where he stood out with his impressive performances.

His talent was recognised with a scholarship offer from Arsenal for the 2024-2025 season, marking a significant milestone in his young career.

Obi’s excellent performances at the U16 level saw him getting opportunities with the U18 team. He made his debut in the U18 Premier League in a thrilling 4-4 draw with West Brom and also featured in a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa.

However, these initial setbacks didn’t deter Obi, who showed immense determination and resilience despite the challenges faced due to injuries and adapting to a more senior level of play.

Obi’s international prospects

Chido Obi playing for the Denmark u16s (Photo via Obi on Instagram)
Chido Obi playing for the Denmark u16s (Photo via Obi on Instagram)

Chido Obi‘s eligibility to represent England, Denmark, and Nigeria at the international level adds another dimension to his promising career.

He had been previously called up by the England U16s for friendly matches against Cyprus, Scotland, and Denmark.

Interestingly, Obi had already represented Denmark U16s by that point, scoring against Belgium.

Given his current performances and potential, Obi’s decision on his international career is keenly awaited by all three countries.

Obi’s role in the Arsenal Youth setup

Despite being just 15, Obi represented Arsenal at the U18 level on a few occasions last season.

His physical prowess and technical skills have helped him perform well among older players, underlining his potential for a promising future with the Gunners.

The young striker is certainly one to watch, as he continues to develop and make a name for himself on the international stage.

While it’s still early days, his achievements at this age and level, coupled with the backing of a club like Arsenal, suggest we could be watching the emergence of the next big thing in football.