Official: Promising Nigerian striker signs new deal with Burnley after leaving Stoke City

Through a statement on the official website, Premier League new boys Burnley have announced their new intake of academy scholars for the 2025-2026 season, with a Nigerian striker part of the group. 

As per Premier League rules, all players in their U17 year are required to start the 2025-2026 season on a scholarship agreement, before they are permitted to sign a first professional football contract on or after their 17th birthday.

Destiny Okonkwo will start the upcoming season as an U18 player at the Clarets, having put pen to paper on a two-year scholarship deal.

The promising forward has been offered fresh terms after joining from Stoke City as an U16.

He was included in Burnley’s matchday squad for the Lancashire FA Senior Cup final in April 2025, where they fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat against Dubem Eze’s Bolton Wanderers.

Okonkwo and eleven other players were joined by their families and new host families for a night of celebration at Turf Moor, where they heard from current and former scholars about life as a full-time footballer.

Next season, he is eligible to represent the Clarets in the U18 Professional Development League, U18 Professional Development League Cup and FA Youth Cup.

Okonkwo is eligible for inclusion in Burnley's Premier League squad as an U21 player, meaning he does not occupy a spot on the club's 25-man senior list. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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