Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 29 January 2026 15:36, UK

Man United talent Chido Obi-Martin has sent a message following Arsenal youngster Ife Ibrahim’s debut for the club on Wednesday.

Ibrahim came on for his first-team debut as Arsenal beat Kairat Almaty 3-2, completing their perfect league phase with eight consecutive victories.

Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli scored in a game that the Gunners ultimately allowed to finish tightly due to several missed chances.

It has been a difficult few weeks at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal’s 3-2 loss to Man United on Sunday marking a third consecutive Premier League game without victory.

But Arsenal are the favourites to win the Champions League, after a sensational league phase.

Chido Obi messages Ife Ibrahim

There were two debuts for Arsenal youngsters on Wednesday, with both Brando Bailey-Joseph and Ibrahim getting on the pitch for the first time.

The latter only had about four minutes to make his mark, but he certainly did so, making a tackle, a recovery and winning a duel.

The England youth international is a tall defensive midfielder and is already a regular for Arsenal’s under-21s, despite his age.

Ibrahim is thought to be among the next to make it through to the first team for the Gunners, following in the footsteps of the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Max Dowman in recent months.

Both the midfielder and Marli Salmon present a rarity from the Arsenal academy, in the sense that they are defensive-minded players, with most breaking through coming in the attacking areas.

Ibrahim will have the benefit of a clear path through to the first team squad, should his progression maintain, with Christian Norgaard, 31, not expected to stay at the club on a long-term basis, and with little other depth behind Martin Zubimendi.

The 18-year-old took to Instagram on Wednesday to share his delight at making his debut, and wrote: “Proud to have made my Champions League debut and Arsenal debut! Glory to God”.

Former teammate Obi replied to the post, and left star eyes and clapping emojis.

Arsenal stars join Obi in sending Ibrahim messages

Andre Harriman-Annous also made his Arsenal debut this season, starting against Brighton in the Carabao Cup in October, and later appearing in the Champions League.

He commented “family” on Ibrahim’s post, and the youngster was joined by fellow academy stars Sebastian Ferdinand, Charles Sagoe Junior and Jack Porter.

Dowman was also in the comments congratulating the midfielder, with the 15-year-old still absent with an ankle issue.

Former Arsenal academy star Reiss Nelson, who is on loan at Brentford, commented: “Yes”.