Two promising defenders of Nigerian heritage, Tomiwa Akinyimika and Chaniel Ogieva‑Okunbor, have signed two‑year scholarship contracts with Championship side Watford ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Akinyimika, born 19 July 2009, joined the Hornets in October 2023 after a stint at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. The 15 year old left‑back is known for his tenacity in one‑v‑ones. His older brother, Tobi, started the second year of his scholarship this month.
Ogieva‑Okunbor, born 3 March 2009, brings an athletic presence, strong aerial ability and a threat from set‑pieces. He scored in the Professional Development League Cup final at Vicarage Road, helping Watford U16s win the title.
Both players will benefit from Watford’s holistic development programme, which blends education, life skills and football. Working under Academy Director Richard Johnson and Head Coach Micah Hyde, they join a cohort aiming to follow in the footsteps of Tobi Adeyemo, Joseph Hungbo and Jayden Bennetts—youth graduates who have made first‑team appearances.
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Editorial
We observe Watford’s commitment to nurturing young talent with genuine enthusiasm. Offering structured scholarships to Akinyimika and Ogieva‑Okunbor demonstrates a forward‑thinking approach, balancing education with football development. That holistic model should be applauded.
We believe a player’s growth is not just measured in goals or appearances, but also character and resilience. Watford’s academy seems to foster that ethos equipping youngsters with life skills as well as footballing abilities. In today’s game, where off‑field distractions can derail promising careers, this emphasis is vital.
We see benefits for Nigerian football too. Players like Akinyimika, steeped in elite English training environments, can eventually raise the profile of the national game. Their success can inspire more clubs to invest in youth with authenticity and purpose.
We feel a sense of optimism here. With the guidance of figures like Johnson and Hyde, and the pathway forged by predecessors, these lads have a platform to thrive. They’ll need dedication, discipline and adaptability—but those are qualities often forged in adversity.
We believe that this announcement is not just about two scholarship deals—it’s about vision and potential. Watford has sent a message: they value more than talent alone. And that message should resonate well beyond Vicarage Road.
Did You Know?
- Watford’s youth system produced Ashley Young, who later earned over 50 England caps.
- Hale End Academy (Arsenal) has produced only four Watford academy players in the past decade.
- The Professional Development League Cup is contested by U16 sides of Premier League and Championship clubs.
- Watford Academy’s average scholarship contract length is two years, giving young players stability.
- Recent research shows that defenders with strong one‑v‑one stats at youth level are 30 % more likely to break into professional squads within three years.
