Confirmed : Talented Nigeria-eligible striker signs new contract with Crystal Palace

Through a statement on their official website, English Premier League club Crystal Palace have announced that Nigeria-eligible striker David Omilabu has signed his first professional contract.

The 18-year-old was offered fresh terms following his outstanding performances for the youth teams of Crystal Palace in the 2020-2021 campaign.

In twelve outings for the U18s, he found the net nine times and either scored or assisted a goal in his first two matches in the Premier League 2.

"It’s a good feeling – I’ve been waiting my whole life for it. Since I was eight, my parents have been driving me to training and to matches, so it’s nice to know their hard work has paid off for me as well," Omilabu said to Palace TV.

"At the start of the season my target was to score goals and help the team win, and it’s safe to say I’ve been doing that so far.

"[I love] the fans, the atmosphere of Crystal Palace as a south London club. I was born and raised in south London, so to know that the club is local to me feels very good."

Omilabu, who has played nonstop at the Eagles since the age of eight, becomes the second player of Nigerian descent to sign a professional deal with the London club this season, after fullback Tayo Adaramola.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : cpfc.co.uk