Sunderland teenage sensation Josh Maja has proclaimed that he is eligible to represent the Nigerian national teams, though he was born in England. <br /><br />Aged 18, the striker made his first-team debut for the Black Cats in their 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the League Cup in September 2016, coming on as a substitute in the 69th minute. <br /><br /><span class="body1">&ldquo;I am originally from London but my family is from Nigeria. I grew up with my three brothers and my mom and sister, </span><span class="body1"><span class="body1">&rdquo; Maja told Sunderland YouTube channel. <br /><br /></span></span><span class="body1">&ldquo;My family, mainly my mom, advises me everyday to work hard and be dedicated to my football.</span><span class="body1"><span class="body1">&rdquo;<br /><br />Asked to name his favourite footballer, Maja answered : </span></span><span class="body1">&ldquo;At this club my favourite is Defoe. Messi is my favourite player, the way he handles the ball and the way he controls and scores goals.</span><span class="body1"><span class="body1"><span class="body1">&rdquo;</span></span><br /><br />Josh Maja had stops at the academy teams of Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester City before he was snapped up by Sunderland in 2015.<br /><br />Ifeanyi Emmanuel <br /><br />Photo Credit : safc.com<br /></span>