One year after Sunderland move, ex-Flying Eagles striker named in matchday squad for first time

One year after joining Sunderland from Belgian outfit KAA Gent, former Nigeria U20 international Ahmed Abdullahi received his maiden call-up to the Black Cats' first team squad as they exited the Carabao Cup on penalties to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night.

The 21-year-old striker, a product of HB Academy Abuja, was named on the bench but did not feature as Sunderland were edged out 6-5 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light. 

Marc Guiu netted his first goal for the club to cancel out Leo Castledine’s opener, but the Premier League newcomers could not advance.

Speculation has surrounded Abdullahi's future in recent weeks, with reports linking him with a potential move away before the close of the transfer window. 

Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris has assessed him closely, involving the striker in pre-season fixtures against South Shields, Sevilla, Heart of Midlothian and Hull City.

There was still Nigerian representation on the pitch, as midfielder David Kasumu impressed for Huddersfield throughout the contest and earned a nomination for the Terriers' Player of the Match award.

Abdullahi remains contracted to Sunderland until the end of the 2027-28 season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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