Former Nigeria defender Kingsley Obiekwu has exclusively told Completesports.com that Arsenal’s defensive solidity could prove decisive when the Gunners face Paris Saint-Germain in the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League final in Budapest on May 30, 2026.
The ex-international believes Mikel Arteta’s side have built their recent success on a strong defensive foundation — a quality he says could finally deliver Europe’s biggest club trophy to the North London side.
Arsenal’s Defensive Strength Driving Success
Arsenal were semi-final losers in the 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League after suffering defeat to PSG. Now, they are set to face their former conquerors again in Europe’s most glamorous inter-club competition.
But the 51-year-old Obiekwu, now Head Coach of Ingas FC, told Completesports.com in Abakaliki on the sidelines of his club’s 1-0 win over Ozalla FA at the PA Ngene Stadium in a Nationwide League One (NLO) fixture that Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Champions League and their EPL title chase have been largely built on their watertight defence.
“I think Arsenal’s run this term, as was the case last season, has revolved around their defence,” Obiekwu, fondly called ‘Shagari’, began.
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“I didn’t play for the London club during my career but, from close observation, I think the club has improved tremendously since last season.
“They are top of the EPL table with two or three games to go. They are also in the UCL final where they will meet PSG.
“Their defence has been key to this and could still come to the fore in the UCL final against PSG.
“They score goals and still defend very well. It is like Jose Mourinho’s era at Chelsea FC. Mourinho believed that if his team scored a goal, they could defend it until the end. Chelsea were able to win several titles with that approach.”
Arsenal Backed To Repeat Defensive Masterclass
“Arsenal have displayed this quality consistently and I think they can do it again.
“They play well, they score goals and still defend very well. This has worked for them and I can see it happening again.”
By Sab Osuji
