As the first stanza of major leagues around Europe draws to an end, we take a look at five young Nigerian players who have excelled for the youth side of teams in major European leagues.
1. Benjamin Fredrick ( Brentford) – The former Nigeria U20 defender has put back the early disappointment of missing the first two months of the season by cementing his spot as the undisputed starter at center back for the B team.
Fredrick has played in seven consecutive games catching the attention of first team coach Thomas Frank , who already handed him his first team bow in pre season. He is expected to be a part of the setup again by the turn of the year.
2. Victor Orakpo (Nice) – His rise to the first team of the Ligue 1 side has been astonishing. He was rewarded for his goals for the youth team with a spot in the first team for pre season training, and he grabbed it with both hands.
Although he is yet to get off the mark after five games for the senior team. He still carries the tag of one of the brightest prospects at the club.
3. Hafiz Ibrahim ( Reims) – 19 year old Hafiz who has 8 goals in six games for the B team was rewarded with his first team debut last weekend in a 3-1 win over Still Mutzig in the Coupe De France.
The Kamo born forward has put behind the disappointment of missing out on a high profile move to Chelsea in the summer with his consistent display for the B team of the Ligue 1 side. His league debut isn’t far off based on his run in front of goal since his summer transfer from Nigerian academy Ojodu City FC.
4. Adeshina Ayodele (Lille) – Five goals in 13 games in all competitions has pushed the 18 year old closer to the first team of the Ligue 1 side who are famed for bringing players through their youth system.
Shina has not looked out of place in his new surroundings since his summer transfer from Nigerian academy Beyond Limit Football club.
Abubakar Abdullahi (Gent) – The former Nigeria U17 striker has not looked out of place with the Belgian side with seven goals in 15 appearances for the youth team. Already trained and played in friendly game for the first team just six months after his arrival from Nigerian academy Jega United.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
