Teen Sensation Chido Obi Dominates on the International Stage

Chidozie Obi-Martin, also known as Chido Obi is a name making waves in youth football. The 16-year-old Danish striker has captured attention across Europe, particularly after his remarkable seven-goal performance in Arsenal’s 9-0 victory over Norwich City.

Born in Glostrup, Denmark, on November 29, 2007, to a Nigerian father and a Danish mother, Chido Obi is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about young talents in football. He is even referred to as the Gunners wonder kid because of his great performances.

Chido Obi’s journey to stardom began in his homeland, where he started playing for Kjobenhavs Boldklub, a local Danish side. At the age of 14, he moved to England with his family and joined Arsenal’s prestigious academy. His ability to find the back of the net quickly set him apart, and he advanced rapidly through the youth ranks.

By 15, he was already making his mark in Arsenal’s under-18 side, scoring a hat-trick in his debut match—a 4-0 victory against Southampton on September 23, 2023. His remarkable performances drew comparisons to Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhem in Danish media. He is also compared to Erling Haaland on social media because of his unstoppable blend of physicality and technical brilliance.

Chido Obi’s meteoric rise continued as he made his debut for Arsenal’s under-21 side while still only 15 years old. In November 2023, he once again made headlines with an astonishing 10-goal performance in a 14-3 demolition of Liverpool at the under-16 level. His goal-scoring prowess was further demonstrated in April 2024 when he netted seven goals in a single game against Norwich City, bringing his tally to 24 goals in just seven matches for Arsenal’s under-18s. Obi fittingly ended the season with a 5-2 hat-trick against Chelsea.

His international career has been as dynamic as his club exploits. Eligible to represent Denmark, England, and Nigeria, Obi-Martin has already experienced playing for multiple national teams. He initially appeared for Denmark’s under-16 side, making five appearances in late 2022. However, in February 2023, he switched allegiances to England, representing their under-16 team in two matches. Just two months later, he returned to Denmark’s under-16 squad, scoring twice in three appearances. His outstanding performance earned him a call-up to Denmark’s under-17 side, where he kicked off the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification campaign with two goals in three games.

Obi-Martin’s impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, and the striker is now on the verge of a significant career move. After scoring an incredible 32 goals in 20 league games for Arsenal’s under-18s last season, Chido Obi has decided to leave the Gunners and join Manchester United. The deal, however, has faced delays due to ongoing negotiations between Arsenal and Manchester United.

Although Chido Obi is a free agent, Manchester United is required to pay a compensation fee due to his age, which has complicated the transfer process. Nevertheless, it is expected that an agreement will be reached without the need for a tribunal, with the deal moving forward to Premier League ratification in the coming weeks.

Once the transfer is finalized, Chidi Obi is expected to join Manchester United’s under-18 side, with the potential to quickly progress to the under-21 group. Depending on his performance, he could even earn the opportunity to train with the club’s first-team. Bayern Munich had also expressed interest in Obi-Martin, but the Red Devils appears poised to secure his signature.

Jack Wilshere, former Arsenal star and now an academy coach praised Chido Obi’s exceptional talent, noting his ability to adapt and contribute significantly to Arsenal’s team’s development. As Chido Obi’s journey continues, the football world eagerly watches to see how this young prodigy will fare at Manchester United, a club known for nurturing some of the greatest talents in the game.

More about Chido Obi here