Confirmed : Southampton announce signing of talented Nigerian midfielder on scholarship deal

Through a statement on their official website, Premier League side Southampton have announced the signing of talented midfielder of Nigerian descent Alex Iwumene on a scholarship deal.

Allnigeriasoccer.com has been told that Iwumene is eligible to represent the Nigerian national teams through his Nigerian father.

Iwumene was snapped up by Onside Academy, a grassroots team owned by a Nigerian based in London, when he was fifteen years.

The 17-year-old played in their yearly academy showcase which over fifty players till date have signed for clubs and was spotted by a Southampton scout on February 6, 2022.

Iwumene has joined the Saints academy from Sutton United and is poised to make his debut for the U18 Premier League South champions in the 2022-2023 campaign.

In his first words after the deal was confirmed, the Anglo-Nigerian said : "Im delighted to sign my scholarship with Southampton.

"It’s a proud moment for me and my family, signing my scholarship with a category one academy. Not many people can do it.

"I’m hoping to push on from here and not only develop as a player but as a young man.

"My footballing journey has been good. I haven't really been in a football academy, so this will be my first. I’ve just been playing grassroots and showcase."

Nigeria-eligible trio Oludare Olufunwa, Kazeem Olaigbe and Zuriel Otseh-Taiwo played for Southampton's B Team in the recently concluded season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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