Nigerian Whizkid Maja In Line To Make Senior Debut For Sunderland, Makes 18-Man Squad Vs QPR

Nigerian whizkid Joshua Maja is in line to make his competitive debut for Premier League team Sunderland, with the teen sensation named on the bench for tonight’s League Cup clash against Queens Park Rangers.

The 17-year-old joined the Black Cats in 2015 following spells with Crystal Palace, Manchester City and Fulham.

Born in London, Maja trained with Sunderland’s first team on some occasions last term, and has been named in the squad to face QPR having starred for the U23 squad in the Premier League 2.

Sweden U21 international of Nigerian descent Joel Asoro makes his second start for Sunderland against the London team, while new signing Victor Anichebe is lacking match fitness and will not be on parade at Loftus Road.

Republic of Ireland U21 international Olamide Shodipo has not been selected by Queens Park Rangers boss, while Nedum Onuoha is in line to face one of his former clubs having made the bench.

Sunderland Starting XI : Pickford, Denayer, van Aanholt, Djilobodji, O’Shea (c), McNair, Kirchhoff, Ndong, Watmore, Gooch, Asoro

Substitutes : Kone, Love, Jones, Cattermole, Greenwood, Maja, Mika.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : kinetic-foundation.org.uk