Irish-Born Southampton Whizkid Is First Nigerian Born In 2000 To Play In Premier League

Published: January 21, 2018

Irish-born Southampton striker Michael Obafemi became the first Nigerian player born in 2000 to feature in the Premier League after making his first-team debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, January 21, aged 17 years and 199 days.

The Republic of Ireland U19 international replaced Manolo Gabbiadini in the 82nd minute at the St Mary's Stadium in his maiden appearance for the Saints.

Obafemi was drafted into the first team after starring for the U18s in the current season, scoring 12 goals from 15 matches, including a hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the FA Youth Cup.

With three minutes remaining, he had a chance to net the winner after Dušan Tadić played the ball across goal but couldn't make contact with the ball.

Michael Obafemi is the second youngest Southampton player to appear in the Premier League after Luke Shaw, who was aged 17 years and 116 days when he debuted.

He joined Southampton from Leyton Orient in the summer of 2016.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com