Ejeheri: Former Arsenal goalkeeper boosts Nigeria international chances with Scandinavia transfer

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan

Nigerian goalkeeper, Ovie Ejeheri, has found a new home in Denmark's Superliga after FC Midtjylland confirmed his signing.

The 21-year-old, who spent 13 years with Premier League side Arsenal, joins the Wolves on a free transfer, eager to prove himself after failing to break into the first team at Arsenal.

Ejeheri's journey began at Arsenal's U9 level, but despite progressing through the youth ranks and even receiving a call-up to first-team training under Mikel Arteta in his final season, regular opportunities remained elusive.

Ovie Ejeheri: Former Arsenal man boosts Nigeria international chances with Scandinavia transfer

Loan spells at Chelmsford City and SJK Seinäjoki provided valuable experience, with Ejeheri registering a combined 20 clean sheets in 41 appearances across the National League South and Veikkausliiga.

While his Premier League 2 appearances, including the playoffs, showcased his potential, a first-team debut for Arsenal never materialized. Undeterred, Ejeheri has opted for a fresh start in Denmark, signing a five-year deal that ties him to FC Midtjylland until 2029.

Ovie Ejeheri’s first words

Ejeheri highlighted his positive experience in Finland last season and expressed his enthusiasm for the similarities and differences he expects to find in Danish football. 

“Midtjylland is a club with big ambitions and one of the biggest clubs in Scandinavia.

“I really enjoyed my time in Finland last season – both on and off the field – and I see it as a good opportunity to come to Danish football, where I see many similarities, but of course also differences.

“Now I am looking forward to working with the whole group and especially the talented goalkeepers who are at the club” Ejeheri said, speaking to the club's official website.

FC Midtjylland clearly see potential in Ejeheri, with their football director, Peter Sand, describing him as “a big, strong, reactive goalkeeper who has a good presence in the box.”

International allegiance

Adding another layer to Ejeheri's story is his international eligibility.

Born in London to Nigerian and Ugandan parents, he has already attracted interest from all three nations. While a call-up to England's U-20 training camp in 2020 (eventually canceled) hinted at his potential, club commitments hampered his chances of representing Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.