The U17 Euros got underway this week, with three Arsenal players taking part in the tournament.
Striker Chido Martin Obi went into the competition off the back of a superb campaign for Arsenal at U18 level. He proceeded to score the first goal of the tournament as Denmark won 2-1 against a Wales side that included his Arsenal team-mate Brayden Clarke.
Denmark subsequently drew 2-2 with Croatia and then lost 4-0 to Austria, with Martin Obi featuring in both matches. Despite their mixed form, Denmark still managed to make it through to the quarter-finals.
Clarke, however, is out of the tournament, with Wales having been eliminated following a 3-0 loss to Austria in their second game.
After receiving a yellow card in both of Wales’ first two group games (the second of which was very harsh) Clarke missed their final fixture, a 1-1 draw with Croatia, through suspension.
Ethan Nwaneri is also at the tournament. The hugely talented midfielder made an impact in England’s first game as he scored a fine goal in the 4-0 win against France.
Nwaneri was then involved as England lost 4-1 to Portugal, with the Three Lions’ place in the knockout stages not guaranteed going into tomorrow’s fixture against Spain.
It would certainly be interesting if Martin Obi and Nwaneri were to face each other at some point in the tournament, but there is still some way to go.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird
Slight typo. You’ve put England lost to Spain rather than Portugal.
England, Spain, France and Portugal in the same group?
I’m guessing Michael Ballack and Oliver Kahn did the draw…
Wales, Austria, Croatia, Denmark in another? Seems legit
Have to say with a name like Chido Martin Obi you kinda have to live up to that and turn into something at some point. Chido which means cool in Mexican, Obi a jedi name and Martin obviously our captain and one of the most talented midfielders I’ve ever laid eyes on… can’t end up in the Championship with a name like that
The names are of Igbo descent. Obi means heart or will in Igbo. Chido is short for Chidozie, and translates to “God will…”
Martin translates to Odegaard obviously.
Thanks for the clarification, I obviously failed to do any appropriate research whatsoever and I suppose that might be considered disrespectful to his heritage. That said this info you’ve brought to light doesn’t make him sound any less destined for greatness. And is it a complete coincidence those names also mean “cool” and “a jedi master”? I think not my friend, I… think… not.
Sorry about the thumbs down – I loved your comment. May the force be with him and may he bring that to the first team in a few years.
Well, my name’s martin, and I said when we signed Martinelli that things would start to change. And since then we have added Odegaard, and it’s only got better. Up next this young man!
Somehow, I want all of them to win it 🥺