Trialist From Chelsea Partners Okocha In Defense As West Ham, Brighton Share Spoils

Published: December 15, 2018

Nigerian starlet Joshua Okocha was partnered in central defense by a trialist from Chelsea, Bright Akwo Arrey-Mbi as West Ham were held to a 2-2 draw by Brighton & Hove in an U18 Premier League fixture on Saturday afternoon.

One of the most highly-rated young Nigerian defenders on the books of a Premier League club, right-back Ayo Tanimowo started for the Seagulls.

Ryan Longman's two strikes were cancelled out by a brace from Hammers' attacker of Ghanaian descent Sean Adarkwa.

Okocha has appeared in 13 matches in all competitions for West Ham U18s in the current season, consisting of 10 U18 Premier League, 1 FA Youth Cup and 2 U18 Premier League Cup matches.

Born December 29, 2001, he made his debut for West Ham U23s at the age of fifteen in their 2-0 loss to Benfica in the Premier League International Cup last season while still a school boy.

Okocha is in the first year of his scholarship with West Ham.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : whufc.com