Brighton's Super Eagles-eligible forward reacts to PL debut, two years after leaving Man Utd

Brighton & Hove Albion's Super Eagles-eligible forward Nehemiah Oriola was handed his Premier League debut on Saturday as the Seagulls cruised to a 3-0 victory over Leeds United at the AMEX Stadium.

The 18-year-old has been on the fringes of the first team in recent weeks, earning three consecutive call-ups to the matchday squad for Brighton's last three Premier League matches. 

After being an unused substitute against Newcastle United and Manchester United, Oriola finally got his debut when manager Fabian Hürzeler introduced him in the third minute of stoppage time to replace Georginio Rutter.

With Brighton already in full control, thanks to a Danny Welbeck opener and a second-half brace from Diego Gómez, Hürzeler took the opportunity to reward the promising youngster with his maiden senior appearance.

Oriola joined Brighton on a scholarship deal in September 2023, following his release from Manchester United, where he spent three seasons.

The promising attacker has impressed at youth level this campaign, registering five goal involvements in seven Premier League 2 appearances, performances that have not gone unnoticed by the first team coaching staff.

Taking to his Instagram page, Oriola shared his excitement and gratitude following his first top-flight appearance, writing: "Dreams to reality. Blessed to make my Premier League debut for @officialbhafc - All Glory To God".

Oriola becomes the second Nigerian youngster to make a Premier League appearance for Brighton in recent years, following in the footsteps of former Golden Eaglets invitee Odeluga Offiah, who sealed a permanent move to Preston North End in July 2025.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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