17-Year-Old Nigerian Defender Shines For Southampton First Team Vs Guangzhou R&F

Published: July 23, 2019

Nigerian defender Oludare Olufunwa was impressive as Southampton thrashed Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F 4-0 in a pre-season friendly that took place at the Estádio Campo Desportivo in Macau on Tuesday.

Olufunwa produced a performance that showcased his quality, with the Saints keeping a clean sheet after his introduction in the 46th minute.

The Premier League side established a three-goal lead by the 38th minute courtesy of goals from Ché Adams, Shane Long and Yan Valery, then Christoph Klarer headed home a corner in the first minute of stoppage time to make it 4-0.

The 17-year-old Olufunwa recently penned his first professional contract with Southampton.

Southampton are well known for giving opportunities to young players in the first team and the teenage fullback may be in line for a professional debut in the new season if he impresses manager Ralph Hasenhüttl during the pre-season.

Originally a central defender, Olufunwa models his game after Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk and admires the qualities of ex-African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure.

Southampton will take on Feyenoord and Cologne in friendlies before their Premier League opener against Burnley.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel