'He's Got Unbelievable Pace'- Southampton Boss Hails First Nigerian Born This Century To Play In EPL

Published: November 05, 2018

Nigerian striker Michael Obafemi was showered with praise by Southampton boss Mark Hughes despite the Saints 6-1 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday evening at the Etihad Stadium.

Having starred for the Saints U23 side for whom he has scored 4 goals in 8 games this term, Obafemi was included in the 18 for the trip to Manchester and came off the bench in the 73rd minute for his second appearance in the Premier League.

Obafemi became the first Nigerian player born in 2000 to feature in the Premier League after making his senior debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, January 21, 2018 aged 17 years and 199 days.

''He’s got unbelievable pace. It was important that I had a look at him in the Premier League environment because he could very well be someone we can use,'' Hughes told Southampton's official webpage.

''Bringing on Michael late on in games as an impact sub could be something that will help us.

''I was pleased with what he did, he didn’t look phased by the stage he was on so that bodes well as something we can work on.

''We’ll see how he progresses. He’s been playing well in the Under-23s and getting goals so he’s deserved his chance. ''

Obafemi, who is open to playing for the Super Eagles, traveled to Abuja for a pre-World Cup friendly against the Golden Eaglets in June 2015.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel