West Ham confirm 2025–2026 squad number for Nigeria-eligible wing-back

Premier League side West Ham United have announced the men’s first-team squad numbers for the 2025–26 season, with Nigerian-eligible defender Emeka Adiele among the development squad players handed a number.

The 18-year-old's inclusion suggests he is in contention to make his senior debut for the Hammers in the forthcoming campaign.

Adiele wore the number 74 shirt in last season's EFL Trophy fixtures against Reading, Newport County and Cheltenham Town. 

For the upcoming season, he has switched to the number 69 jersey.

The dual-national wing-back trained with West Ham's senior squad during pre-season and was part of the travelling party for their opening friendly against Swiss side Grasshopper.

A product of the club's academy, Adiele has been with West Ham since the U9 level, progressing through the ranks before signing his first professional contract on July 31, 2024 – the same day he turned 17.

In his first year as a scholar, he tallied nine goal contributions (four goals, five assists) in 20 U18 Premier League appearances. 

Since stepping up to Premier League 2 level, he has been directly involved in four goals across 15 matches.

Adiele has represented England at U17 and U18 level, but remains eligible to turn out for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles as all his caps for the Young Lions came in friendly matches.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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