Remember the name: Bayer's Ken Izekor breaks Nigerian record held by Man Utd midfielder after UEL debut

Bayer Leverkusen striker Ken Izekor entered into the history books of Nigerian football after making his senior debut for Bayer Leverkusen in their 5-1 rout of Molde FK in a UEFA Europa League (UEL) encounter at the BayArena on Thursday evening, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

With qualification for the last 16 already sewn up, Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso could afford to rest his key players including Victor Boniface who was a non-playing substitute, paving the way for Izekor to make his debut for the first team. 

In what was his first squad involvement, Izekor was handed his debut in the 77th minute when Alonso brought him on as a replacement for Edmond Tapsoba.

Aged 16 years and 204 days, Izekor became the youngest player of Nigerian descent to feature in the Europa League. 

The previous record was held by Manchester United midfielder Shola Shoretire who was aged 17 years and 23 days when he made his debut in the Europa League in a goalless draw against Real Sociedad on February 25, 2021.

Izekor was promoted to the first team on a temporary basis on the back of his impressive displays for the youth teams, and also became the youngest ever player in history to feature for Bayer Leverkusen after hopping off the bench versus Molde.

He has mustered 22 goals in 35 games for the U17s and has played in 15 matches for the U19s including appearances in the UEFA Youth League. 

Izekor is provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth, having played competitive matches for Germany U17s in October 2023.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: bayer04.de

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