PL2: Nephew of former Super Eagles centre-backs scores in back-to-back games for Man City 

Tai Sodje, the nephew of former Super Eagles central defenders Efe and Sam Sodje, has started the season in fine form for Premier League 2 champions Manchester City. 

For only the second time in his Manchester City career, Tai found the back of the net in back-to-back Premier League 2 games as the Citizens and Aston Villa shared the spoils in an eight-goal thriller at the CFA Stadium.

The 19-year-old opened his account for the season against Fulham on matchday two and kept his place in the starting XI against Aston Villa.

Tai's quality is not in doubt but injuries have slowed down his progress at Manchester City in recent seasons, and also prevented him from making his debut for the Flying Eagles. 

Against Aston Villa, he had to make way for Farid Alfa-Ruprecht in the 33rd minute after suffering an injury. 

City had the worst passible start as they found themselves two goals down inside eleven minutes of the contest, after Travis Patterson and Omari Kellyman wrote their names on the scoresheet.

Nigerian striker Justin Oboavwoduo reduced the deficit with his first goal at this level after he was teed up by Sodje, but Tommi O’Reilly restored the visitors' two-goal lead midway through the first half.

In the 28th minute, Sodje slotted past the Aston Villa goalkeeper to make it 3-2, before Aston Villa's Omari Kellyman scored in the 41st minute. 

Oboavwoduo got his brace in added time of the first half and a late equaliser from Farid Alfa-Ruprecht salvaged a point for Manchester City.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Sodje joined Manchester City at U12 level and signed his first professional contract in 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com