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Godfrey Oboabona has criticised Arsene Wenger and accused the Gunners of disrespecting Nigerian clubs, after he was offered only a trial at the Emirates. The 22-year-old Nigerian international is contracted to hometown club Sunshine Stars but is believed to be eager to play in Europe this season.
The Metro believes both Arsenal and Newcastle United are tracking the defender, who started all three of his country's games at June's FIFA Confederations Cup; the Super Eagles finished third in group B after defeats to Spain and Uruguay. Oboabona also started all six games at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, as Nigeria claimed a third continental title.
The centre-back already has 25 senior caps to his name and believes he deserves more respect than Arsenal have shown so far. However, there seems to be a bit of confusion surrounding Oboabona's transfer claims.
An earlier report by The Sun (from March) claims Wenger has already had Oboabona on trial at the Emirates, prior to a possible £1m bid. At the time, the youngster confirmed his desire to play for the north London side, saying: "Arsenal are my favourite club from childhood. It is the club I want to play for."
However, in a more recent report, The Sun quotes Oboabona as saying: "Arsenal's management tell me to come for a trial when I won the African Nations Cup. I think I should be above such requests. It is high time some of these clubs started respecting Nigeria."