Teenage Nigerian Defender, Dubbed The New Sergio Ramos, Makes West Ham Debut

Promising Nigerian defender Tunji Akinola made first- team debut for West Ham in their 3-1 win against Dagenham & Redbridge on Wednesday, March 21.

Hammers manager David Moyes named the 19-year-old in his 20-man match day squad, before handing him his first team debut in the 90th minute as replacement for ex-Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra.

As he spent few minutes on the pitch, it will be difficult to rate his performance in his first game for the first team.

Other players of Nigerian descent that took part in the fundraising match are David Agboola, Chike Kandi and Fejiri Okenabirhie, who all wore the jersey of the Daggers.

With a total of ten Hammers first-team players called up for international duty in March, including defensive-minded players Angelo Ogbonna, Arthur Masuaku and Declan Rice, there is a huge likelihood that Akinola will train with the first-team until they return from their trips.

Born in England, Akinola joined West Ham at the age of eight and penned his first professional contract with the club in 2016.

The central defender has cited Paolo Maldini, Pablo Cannavaro and Sergio Ramos as his role models.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : whufc.com