16-Year-Old Chelsea-Linked Defender Becomes Youngest Nigerian-Born Player To Score In MLS

Published: October 07, 2018

Atlanta United defender George Bello netted his maiden goal in Major League Soccer in a 2-1 win against New England Revolution at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday evening.

Bello started for Atlanta United for only the second time in his young career and repaid the faith of his manager after opening the scoring in the 17th minute.

The fullback volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Brad Knighton in goal for New England and became the sixth youngest scorer in the history of Major League Soccer aged 16 years 8 months and 14 days.

Born in Abuja, Bello is the youngest Nigerian-born player to score in the American topflight, surpassing the record previously held by Beijing Olympics silver medalist Emmanuel Ekpo who scored for Columbus Crew aged 20 years 6 months and 8 days in a game against Colorado Rapids on June 28, 2008.

Chelsea, Manchester City and Everton are among the clubs keeping tabs on the progress of the teenager with a view to a transfer in future.

He has been invited to the United States U15, U16, U17 and U18 national teams in the past.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : atlutd.com