The Young Gun series returns for the 2024/25 season, spotlighting the promising academy talents at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. Samuel Onyekachukwu recently shared insights about his journey from Finchley to a budding football career.
Growing up in Finchley, Samuel was initially inspired by his older brother’s passion for football. Although he first dabbled in athletics due to his natural speed, his true interest in football emerged around the age of eight. With Nigerian heritage and Italian roots through his grandmother, Samuel’s multicultural background has shaped his identity both on and off the pitch.
Samuel cites Virgil van Dijk as a key influence in his life, admiring the Dutch defender’s dominance and consistency at the highest level. “I aspire to reach that same level of influence on the pitch,” he states, underscoring his ambitions as a centre-back.
His football journey began with Whetstone Wanderers, where he initially played as a winger before catching the attention of scouts during a summer tournament. After a successful trial with Watford, he transitioned to centre-back, a move that allowed him to truly flourish.
After spending two seasons with Watford at the U10 level, Samuel’s talent shone through during a tournament hosted by Arsenal, where he and his team won the cup. This performance led to an invitation to join Arsenal’s U12s, where he continues to thrive alongside teammates he has known since his early days.
Samuel recalls his excitement upon joining Arsenal, stating, “Being part of one of the biggest clubs in the world is an honour.” A highlight of his young career was participating in a memorable tour to Brazil with the U17s, where he played some of his best football and embraced the culture.
As scholarship decisions loomed, Samuel faced uncertainty due to a previous injury, but the belief of the coaches propelled him forward, leading to his successful offer. He describes the move to the Sobha Realty Training Centre as transformative, noting the professional environment and the opportunity to train with first-team players like William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Ødegaard.
Samuel shares a memorable moment with Saka in the ice bath, where they connected over their experiences. Saka’s encouragement resonated with him, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence.
Recently, Samuel made his U18 debut in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Southampton, showcasing his resilience after entering the game when the team was trailing. His teammates’ support bolstered his performance, demonstrating the squad’s determination.
Inspired by seeing academy players feature in the Carabao Cup, Samuel remains motivated to work hard and strive for a place in the first team. Central to his life is his faith, which he credits for his opportunities. He prioritizes daily prayers and reading the Bible, finding strength in his beliefs.
Samuel acknowledges the unwavering support of his family, especially his mother, who has been his biggest motivator. Her encouragement and prayers have profoundly influenced his journey, and he hopes to honor her sacrifices as he continues to pursue his dreams in football.