Dr Clive Chijioke Nwonka, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the International Inequalities Institute, has authored a book that focuses on how Arsenal FC has for decades built a fan base amongst blacks in the diaspora and in Africa. It explores the deep connections between Arsenal Football Club and Black British identity and culture. The author tracks how Arsenal has become a significant emblem of multiculturalism and representation, showcasing the experiences and contributions of iconic Black players like Ian Wright and Thierry Henry
The British Nigerian in an interview with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) emphasised the particular influence of Nwankwo Kanu’s move to Arsenal FC.
Kanu was signed by Arsenal for approximately £4.15 million in February 1999, after just twelve league games and one goal for Inter.
The talented footballer made his debut for Arsenal, against Sheffield United in the FA Cup.
He later became very popular among the fans for his two-fingered salute which started in 1999 against Middlesbrough – something that he later explained was based on the team’s nickname, The Gunners.
Explaining the inspiration for the book, Dr Chijioke described Kanu’s move to Arsenal as something of “cultural importance to him.”
The academic further deconstructed the racist interpretations of black players only on the basis of speed and power.
African players, according to the university don, “are uniquely technically gifted”.
“I am British Nigerian and seeing African players, African players, represented in British football is important to me”, he said.
“Black Arsenal is the ways in which the back population in and around London and beyond have found a habitation and gravitation towards Arsenal as a football club.
“The ways in which we can use language to describe African players or black players more generally in terms of physical prowess, speed or power that has always been heavily racialized. African players have been some of the most technically gifted such as Jay Jay Okocha. Do during Wenger’s years, it’s one way to have African players, winning is another thing.”
Arsenal FC has been considered popular for accommodating black players.
In 2002, the club became the first club to filed nine African players in an English Premier League game.
The club’s unique connection to Black culture
Dr Chijioke’s book also revealed the importance connection of the London-based club with the Black culture.
This was the Arsenal’s away kit for this season was designed by a Sierra Leonen called Foday Dumbuya.
The kit, according to The Athletic, celebrates prayers and fans who are shaped by the Africab diasporan.
“This is not a football kit that only Black people can wear but it is designed to tell a story, and this project, which shines a light on Arsenal’s connection to Black culture, wouldn’t have been the same if it involved another Premier League club”, the Athletic added.
