Real Madrid's Akinlabi On The Cusp Of History As Zidane Names Winger In Matchday Squad For Season Opener

Published: September 19, 2020

Nigeria-eligible winger Marvin Akinlabi is on the cusp of history with Real Madrid first team coach Zinedine Zidane including the 2000-born player in his matchday squad to face Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena (Donostia-San Sebastián) on Sunday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The French football tactician has included Akinlabi in his matchday 22 due to the unavailability of wingers Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Lucas Vazquez, who all miss out through injury.

In addition, the upcoming transfer of Wales winger Gareth Bale to Tottenham Hotspur opened a roster spot for the Spanish-Nigerian to step up and he also impressed in the 6-0 win against Getafe in a friendly on Tuesday in which he played the entirety of the first half.

Should Akinlabi feature against Real Sociedad even for one second, he will enter into the history books as the first Nigeria-eligible player to feature for Los Blancos first team in a competitive match.

Former Real Madrid youth-teamers Mutiu Adepoju, Derik Osede and Dimeji Lawal departed the capital outfit without making their debuts for the first team.

Akinlabi, who joined Real Madrid at the age of sixteen, has seen his stock rise after helping the club win their first UEFA Youth League title last month.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : realmadrid.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com