Obafemi & Afolabi On Target For Southampton In U18 Premier League

Southampton came from behind to beat West Ham United 3-1 in the U18 Premier League on Saturday at Staplewood Training Ground (Hampshire).

Three players of Nigerian descent made the starting line-up for their respective teams, Michael Obafemi and Jonathan Afolabi for the Saints, and promising central defender Joshua Okocha for the Hammers.

Southampton went behind in the fifth minute after Anouar El Mhassani curled a shot into the top corner but Obafemi leveled the scores in the 19th minute after beating the goalkeeper and defender.

That goal took his tally for the season to 12 goals in all competitions, including his impressive hat-trick in an FA Youth Cup clash against Wolves in December.

Two minutes into the second half, Southampton took the lead when Afolabi teed up Hale before the Nigerian made sure the points were safe when he doubled his side's advantage on 66 minutes.

Both Afolabi and Obafemi have represented the Republic of Ireland at underage level.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com