First Nigerian Born In 2000 To Play In Premier League Nets Winner For Southampton U23

Published: September 15, 2018

Southampton U23s manager, Rahdi Jaïdi took time to laud the character of his side after they made it seven games unbeaten into the new season with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Friday evening, thanks to a goal from young Nigerian striker, Michael Obafemi.

Obafemi raced through the hosts backline 34 minutes into the clash at the Blue Flames Ground before rounding and sending a smart finish past Newcastle glovesman, Freddie Woodman.

The goal was the 18-year-old's fourth across all competitions for the club's age group this term and their manager was pretty delighted with the three points it eventually gave them in a very difficult game.

The Nigerian had earlier found the net in league games versus Stoke City and Fulham as well as against Colchester United in an English Football League Trophy group game.

"We're really pleased with the three points. It's not an easy place to come and take them so a massive well done to the boys," Jaïdi told the club's official website.

"We showed strong character and we stood up to the challenge from the opponent and some of the decisions from the officials. The boys fought and showed really strong character to keep a clean sheet.

"The resilience the boys showed and the defensive mindset to put their bodies on the line to block the shots and stretching themselves to stop the balls or head the balls was massive.

Michael Obafemi became the first player of Nigerian descent born in 2000 to feature in the Premier League after making his first-team debut for Southampton against Tottenham Hotspur in January 21, 2018, aged 17 years and 199 days.

Emmanuel Chinaza