'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
- Transfer expert names two players Chelsea could use as makeweights in proposed deal for Osimhen
- Club president dispels rumours linking ex-Chelsea, Spurs boss Conte with coaching job at Osimhen's Napoli
- Leeds United set up Championship playoff final against either Aribo's Southampton or Ajayi's West Brom
- WAFU B U17 Championship: Five observations from Golden Eaglets' goalless draw against Burkina Faso
- Door closed: Borussia Dortmund star Adeyemi cap-tied to Germany, not eligible for Super Eagles call-up
- WAFU B U17 Championship Nigeria 0 Burkina Faso 0: Woodwork denies Golden Eaglets victory
- Liverpool academy product Sheyi Ojo likely to leave Cardiff City this summer
- Manchester United risk missing out on Tosin with future of Ten Hag up in the air
- Napoli share fresh update on Osimhen that will worry Finidi, any Super Eagles fan
- EFL new boys Chesterfield on brink of deal for Arsenal youth product Tim Akinola
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