Watford FC has officially confirmed that two promising Nigerian youngsters, Tomiwa Akinyimika and Chaniel Ogieva-Okunbor, have signed scholarship contracts with the club, NaijNaira can report. The announcement comes as the Hornets prepare for the 2025/26 Championship season with a fresh crop of academy talent.
According to Watford’s official website, both players have signed two-year scholarship deals that include education and professional development. Akinyimika, born July 19, 2009, joined the Hornets in late 2023 after training at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy. He’s been described by the club as “a tenacious left-back strong in one-v-one situations.”
His brother, Tobi Akinyimika, is also a scholar at Watford, now entering his second year. Ogieva-Okunbor, born March 3, 2009, brings aerial dominance and goal-scoring ability during set pieces. His standout moment came during last season’s Professional Development League Cup final when he scored against Charlton Athletic at Vicarage Road.
The young defenders aim to follow in the footsteps of former Watford academy graduates like Tobi Adeyemo, Joseph Hungbo, and Jayden Bennetts.
They’ll be mentored by Academy Director Richard Johnson and Head of Coaching Micah Hyde throughout the season.
Article updated 3 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
