UEL: Teenage Nigerian forward scores three minutes into his senior debut for Tottenham in win v Elfsborg

Teenage Nigerian forward Damola Ajayi scored three minutes into his professional debut as Tottenham Hotspur thrashed IF Elfsborg 3-0 in a Europa League encounter at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night. 

Manager Ange Postecoglou has selected Ajayi in his squad for four consecutive games played by Tottenham Hotspur due to an injury crisis, with forwards Dominic Solanke, Brennan Johnson ant Timo Werner not available for selection due to fitness issues.

Having been an unused substitute in the three previous games he was included in the matchday squad, Ajayi came on as a substitute in the 81st minute, replacing Richarlison, who had passed a fitness test before the game against Elfsborg.

Following a goalless first half, Dane Scarlett opened the scoring just minutes after coming off the bench and another academy graduate Ajayi doubled the advantage in the 84th minute.

After scoring himself, Scarlett became the provider, laying the ball off to the 19-year-old Nigerian, who fired it into the bottom corner with power.

Mikey Moore sealed the win for Spurs in added time, picking up the ball near the halfway line and embarking on a skillful run before finishing with a low shot across goal from inside the box.

A Premier League 2 winner with Tottenham in 2023-2024, Ajayi signed a new deal with Tottenham this month, keeping him at the Londoners until the end of the 2027-2028 season.

He was a member of the Spurs sides that won the U17 and U18 Premier League Cup double in 2022-2023,

Tottenham finished fourth in the league phase of the Europa League and will face either AZ Alkmaar, Midtjylland, Galatasaray or Real Sociedad in the round of 16 played over two legs in March.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: tottenhamhotspur.com

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