EXCLUSIVE: FC Fredericia’s Ovie Ejeheri Attributes His Development to Time at Arsenal

Recently appointed FC Fredericia goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri has reflected on his formative years at Arsenal, crediting the Premier League side with being instrumental in his growth as a player.

The Nigerian talent was officially loaned to the newly promoted Portuguese top-tier club on Friday morning from Midtjylland, aiming to secure more regular playing opportunities.

Ejeheri joined Arsenal’s academy at just eight and signed his first professional contract with the club in August 2021.

During his 14 years at the Emirates Stadium, he enjoyed top-tier training and received accolades for his potential from club legend Per Mertesacker, who is also a German football hero.

“And of course, outside of football, everyone knows you as an Arsenal player, which is great as well.”

“All my coaches were supportive, but I’d say Lee Smelt had the most significant impact on me. He wasn’t just focused on football; he really supported me off the pitch. He would often take me home after training, and he was genuinely a good person.”

“I believe I learnt all the fundamentals at Arsenal. It helped me build confidence as a player and allowed me to be in the spotlight, which is a pressure that can aid in both mental and on-field development.”

Struggling to find a regular position in Arsenal’s star-studded lineup, the goalkeeper, who has Nigerian, Ugandan, and English heritage, transferred to Midtjylland, four-time champions of the Danish Superliga, in 2024.

Prior to signing a five-year contract, Ejeheri had been on successful loan spells at Chelmsford City and Finnish giants SJK.

When questioned about his decision to join the Wolves, despite competing with Jonas Lossl and Elias Rafn Olafsson, and the challenge of adapting to a different football culture, he replied: “It’s a prominent club. They recently won the Danish League.

“So, for me, it was not a difficult decision to go there and gain valuable experience.

“Additionally, the goalkeeper coach there wanted me. Ultimately, you go where you’re wanted.”

“Football is football, and I think no matter where you are, the game remains fundamentally similar. It’s more about the lifestyle off the pitch that differs. It’s much quieter and more peaceful, I’d say.”

Ejeheri has no regrets about not being able to help Midtjylland retain their Danish top-flight title, which they lost to cross-town rivals FC Copenhagen.

He commented: “The team performed well. While we didn’t win the league, I believe you can still have a successful season without clinching the title.

“We navigated through various challenges, especially during periods when many of our key players were injured. Finishing second is still a commendable achievement, in my opinion.”

“I think all the injuries we faced adversely impacted our performance. Had we not been so affected by injuries, I am confident we would have won the league.”

With his loan to Monjasa Park, the Super Eagles prospect is anticipated to be a regular feature under the guidance of former Danish star and current manager Michael Hansen.

Barring any injury setbacks, he is set to make his debut on July 20 in a Superliga match against FC Nordsjælland.

Thomas Thomasberg’s squad incorporates nine African players: Mario Dorgeles, Levy Nene, Araphat Mohammed, Prince Amoako, Diallo Sanoussi, Issaka Seidu, Souleymane Alio, Stephen Acquah, and Caleb Yirenkyi.

On the international front, Ejeheri is expected to earn his first cap for Nigeria as Eric Chelle’s squad continues their campaign for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in Morocco.