Contrasting updates have emerged for two London-based Nigerian-born youngsters, as Nathan Butler-Oyedeji has signed a contract extension with Arsenal, but Jubril Okedina has left their local rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, megasportsarena.com reports.
While Okedina has since taken his trade to Cambridge United in the lower division, as he seeks regular playing time in order to continue his football growth, Butler-Oyedeji says he is excited with his new deal at Emirates Stadium.
The 18-year-old Butler-Oyedeji stressed that is deeply delighted to have signed a pro-contract with The Gunners, for which he starred in their under-23 team and enjoyed action in the EFL Trophy competition last season.
Butler-Oyedeji told Arsenal.com: “This is a great opportunity for me and I just want to focus on doing what I do best now.
“I’ve been here since I was six, so to come all this way and get my first professional contract is a dream come true.”
On the other hand, Okedina will wear Cambridge United’s jersey number 15, after leaving Spurs and signing a two-year contract at his new base.
The 20-year-old Okedina, who made 15 appearances for The U’s last season while on loan from Spurs, has now signed a full contract, much to the delight of Cambridge’s coach, Mark Bonner.
Bonner acknowledged: “Signing Jubril gives us the cover and competition that we need in the defensive unit and the fact this is a permanent transfer allows him to settle and be a full part of what we are developing.
“This is a good opportunity for him to consolidate his place in a first team squad and commit to the work and learning required to keep improving.
“We know Jubril well from last season and having undertaken a successful loan period with us, his aim now is to contribute to the squad over the coming months.
“(He will) adjust with us at League One level. He should be able to settle into the club and environment quickly.
“There will be no surprises on what we are trying to build and the culture we want to work in. His potential is obvious and we will be pushing him to realise that with us in the weeks ahead.”
Okedina declared in his response: “I am very happy to be back. It just made sense for me to come back here with people I know and in a higher league.
“The conversations with the Manager have been very positive and I can’t wait to get going now and to finally play in-front of the fans.”
