16-year-old made captain of Arsenal women U21s | OneFootball

Omotara Junaid has been elected captain of the Arsenal Women U21 team for the 2024-2025 season, according to an exclusive report from AllNigeriaSoccer.com.

At just 16 years old, Junaid’s appointment as captain marks a significant milestone in her young career, reflecting both her talent and leadership potential.

Junaid, an England U17 international who turns 17 next month, has already made waves in the football world. Eligible to represent Nigeria’s Super Falcons, she is one of the most promising young players in the game.

Before the start of the 2024-2025 season, Junaid signed a fresh two-year deal with Arsenal, a contract that includes her promotion to the U21 squad for the current season and the 2025-2026 campaign.

Her rapid rise within the club has been remarkable. In August 2024, Junaid was invited to train with Arsenal’s first team, an opportunity that showcased the club’s belief in her potential. Additionally, she was registered for the UEFA Women’s Champions League, further signalling her growing importance within the club.

On August 31, 2024, Junaid made her unofficial first-team debut in a pre-season friendly against Southampton attended by Daily Cannon’s Sylvain Jamet. She entered the match as a substitute in the 87th minute, taking her place in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield. Despite her age — 16 years and 332 days at the time — AllNigeriaSoccer report that Junaid impressed with her composure and tactical awareness, making numerous touches and completing nearly all her passes in the brief time she spent on the pitch.

Junaid’s journey to becoming captain of the U21s began at the start of 2024, when she signed her new two-year deal with Arsenal. Rival clubs, particularly Chelsea, had shown keen interest in acquiring the talented midfielder, but after productive discussions with Arsenal’s coaching staff, Junaid decided to continue her development with the Gunners. Her father expressed his pride in her decision, noting, “It’s a huge breakthrough and a testament to the hard work Tara has put into her game since the beginning of the season. This will surely encourage her to work even harder.”

Junaid’s performances have also attracted attention from the Nigeria Football Federation. Born in the United States to Nigerian parents and raised partly in Nigeria before moving to England, Junaid has so far played non-binding matches for England’s Young Lionesses.

However, she remains open to representing Nigeria’s Super Falcons, with her father confirming her interest following her contract extension with Arsenal.

Junaid first made a name for herself at Arsenal by excelling in the FA Girls’ England Talent Pathway League, where she finished as the second-highest goalscorer. Her contributions helped Arsenal’s U16s team secure an undefeated season and a league title, cementing her reputation as an effective box-to-box midfielder.

While her versatility has seen her deployed as a right-back on occasion, Arsenal coaches believe her best position is in the number 8 role, where her ball skills, tackling ability, and physical presence can shine.

In addition to her midfield prowess, Junaid has demonstrated her skill as a winger, known for her dynamism and flair on the ball. Whether playing through the middle or on the flanks, she remains a formidable force, and her leadership as the new captain of the U21s will be closely watched as she continues her rise at Arsenal.

As the 2024-2025 season progresses, Junaid’s development and leadership at such a young age will be a crucial part of Arsenal’s youth strategy, and her future in both club and international football looks exceptionally bright.