Arsenal’s Hale End academy has a storied history of producing Anglo-Nigerian players who go on to shine in both domestic and international football.
From Alex Iwobi to Chuba Akpom, Semi Ajayi, and Nathan Tella, the list is long and illustrious. While some have chosen to represent Nigeria, others, like Bukayo Saka, have opted for England’s Three Lions.
The latest name in the pipeline is Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, a 22-year-old forward whose recent senior debut for Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League has raised hopes of him following the path of Nigeria-eligible stars.
Here’s everything you need to know about the young talent, Nathan Buttler-Oyedeji.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji’s background
Nathan Jerome Chatoyer Butler-Oyedeji was born on January 4, 2003, in Walthamstow, East London, to a Nigerian father and a Vincentian mother. His heritage is a significant part of his identity, and the young forward has acknowledged his Nigerian roots in various interviews.
His father, Taju Oyedeji, was also a footballer who earned a scholarship at Crystal Palace but never secured a professional contract, eventually playing in England's lower leagues. Nathan inherited his father’s passion for football and combined it with a rich family legacy from both sides.
In a 2024 interview with Arsenal, Butler-Oyedeji revealed the origin of his name. “The Butler is from my mum’s side, and Oyedeji is from my dad’s side,” he explained,
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji’s career
Butler-Oyedeji’s journey at Arsenal began at the age of 8. He turned professional in 2021, training with the first team before being loaned to Accrington Stanley in January 2023. During his brief spell, he made 11 appearances.
In September 2023, he secured another loan move, this time to Cheltenham Town in EFL League One, where he featured in 13 matches. However, his big break came on January 22, 2025, when he made his Arsenal senior debut in a 3-0 Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
Prior to this landmark moment, Butler-Oyedeji had been called up to the first team 11 times across competitions without making an appearance. His impressive form for Arsenal's U21s which included 14 goal involvements (8 goals, 6 assists) since the start of the 2024/25 season, earned him the trust of Mikel Arteta. Notably, he was also named the Premier League 2 Player of the Month in August 2024.
With his debut, Butler-Oyedeji became the fourth Nigeria-eligible player handed a senior appearance by Arteta, joining the likes of Ethan Nwaneri, Miguel Azeez, and Josh Nichols.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji’s international career
Although born in London, Butler-Oyedeji is eligible to represent Nigeria, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and England. At 22, he remains uncapped at both youth and senior levels, which keeps his international future open.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and England’s Three Lions are the two most likely contenders for his allegiance. While England has yet to call him up at any level, his strong Nigerian heritage and the recent history of Anglo-Nigerians switching to the Super Eagles could sway his decision.
However, for now, Butler-Oyedeji is focused on securing regular minutes at Arsenal and establishing himself as a first-team player. If he continues his development, he could become a key figure for Nigeria or England in the near future.
Nathan Butler-Oyedeji’s playing style and position
Influenced by his father, who often encouraged him to watch clips of Thierry Henry, Butler-Oyedeji has developed into a versatile and pacey forward. He also admired players like Ronaldinho, which has added a flair to his game.
Primarily deployed as a striker, Butler-Oyedeji is equally comfortable operating from wide areas. His movement, work rate, and ruthlessness in front of goal make him a handful for defenders. Described as a player who “runs a lot,” his energy and sharpness have been critical to his success at the youth level.
