First EPL Squad Involvement For Nigeria-Eligible Starlet In Man City's 1-0 Win Vs Southampton

Published: December 19, 2020

For the first time in his career, 2000-born Nigeria-eligible attacking midfielder Felix Nmecha was included in Manchester City's matchday squad for a Premier League game as they defeated Southampton 1-0 at St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday evening.

Pep Guardiola selected the England youth international in a 20-man squad as a result of the the workload coming over the festive period and the Premier League permitting up to nine substitutes to be named on the bench.

Prior to this fixture, Nmecha had debuted for the Citizens in the UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup.

In a very tight game and with City leading 1-0, the Spanish coach opted not to hand a Premier League debut to the 20-year-old.

Another Nigeria-eligible youngster Nathan Tella came on for his fourth Premier League appearance after Danny Ings was forced off with an injury in the 41st minute.

The winger was quiet until the 74th minute when he delivered a low cross into the box that deflected off John Stones but Adams couldn't generate enough power to head home.

Raheem Sterling netted the game-winning goal in the 16th minute to secure all three points for Manchester City.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : mancity.com

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