'I Played 60 Mins Last Night For U23s' - West Ham's Nigerian Striker Reacts To Debut Goal
Published: January 23, 2021David Moyes' West Ham recorded another victory on Saturday, their fifth on the bounce, defeating Doncaster Rovers 4-0 at the London Stadium in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Nigerian striker Dapo Afolayan, a product of the Chelsea academy, finally made his long-awaited debut for the Hammers, three years after joining the club and marked his maiden appearance with a goal eight minutes after coming off the bench.
The 23-year-old revealed that he was informed of his inclusion in the matchday squad only after he was substituted during Friday night's Premier League 2 clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Afolayan's other appearance in the FA Cup came against Wycombe Wanderers in November 2017 while wearing the colours of non-leaguers Solihull Moors.
"I am delighted it is a dream come true. it has been a couple of years of hard work since I joined the cub," Afolayan told BBC Sport.
"I thought Ryan (Fredericks) was going to square it but he had a shot and I just followed it in.
"I played 60 mins last night for the U23s. When I came off I got told I was in the squad for today. I just had to go home and prepare.
"I thought Ryan (Fredericks) was going to square it but he had a shot and I just followed it in.
"I played 60 mins last night for the U23s. When I came off I got told I was in the squad for today. I just had to go home and prepare.
"All I can do is come in every day and work hard and pray I get opportunities and take them.
"I have played in the FA Cup before. To score in the fourth round here is a dream."
"I have played in the FA Cup before. To score in the fourth round here is a dream."
Afolayan is the third Nigeria-eligible player to debut for West Ham first team in 2020-2021, after center back Ajibola Alese and striker Ademipo Odubeko.
Igho Kingsley
Photo Credit : whufc.com
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
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
Latest News
- Ndidi's goal against his favourite opponent helps Leicester to a 5-0 rout of Aribo's Southampton
- Madueke features, Chukwuemeka benched as ruthless Arsenal record biggest-ever win against Chelsea
- Executive director confirms Wrexham are desperate to sign Arsenal GK Okonkwo on permanent deal
- 'The whole world knows' - Osimhen reiterates he is inspired by Chelsea legend Drogba
- 'It's going to be difficult' - Bournemouth boss on whether Solanke can win the PL golden boot award
- Trends and forecasts: Analysis of current trends in sports betting
- Atalanta's top assister Lookman, two other players of Nigerian descent named in Serie A TOTW
- Arsenal and Juventus join Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd in race to sign Crystal Palace's quad-national winger Olise
- 2006 Ballon d'Or winner Fabio Cannavaro admits he would have struggled to mark Osimhen of last season
- Navigating the world of Melbet
Football News 24/7
News Categories
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football