Sunderland teenage sensation Josh Maja has proclaimed that he is eligible to represent the Nigerian national teams, though he was born in England.

Aged 18, the striker made his first-team debut for the Black Cats in their 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the League Cup in September 2016, coming on as a substitute in the 69th minute.

“I am originally from London but my family is from Nigeria. I grew up with my three brothers and my mom and sister, ” Maja told Sunderland YouTube channel.

“My family, mainly my mom, advises me everyday to work hard and be dedicated to my football.”

Asked to name his favourite footballer, Maja answered : “At this club my favourite is Defoe. Messi is my favourite player, the way he handles the ball and the way he controls and scores goals.”

Josh Maja had stops at the academy teams of Crystal Palace, Fulham and Manchester City before he was snapped up by Sunderland in 2015.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : safc.com