Six Nigeria-eligible players feature in pre-season friendly involving two English teams

Footballers of Nigerian descent are scattered all over the world. Some know their roots, while some have never heard of Nigeria.

It wasn’t much of a surprise that on Saturday, six players of Nigerian descent were on the team sheet for two England club sides- Reading and Charlton Athletic.

For Reading, there was Femi Azeez, Oviemuno Ejaria and Nelson Abbey, and for Charlton Athletic, they paraded the likes of Akin Famewo, Diallang Jaiyesimi and Deji Elerewe.

At 23 years Of age, Ejaria is the oldest and most established. The former Liverpool man scored the opening goal just before half-time, but Hady Ghandour’s 80th-minute equaliser ensured Charlton salvaged a draw.

The London born attacking midfielder has reached heights as high as the Europa League. The Liverpool Academy product played for Rangers in the 2018/2019 season, where he nicked eleven Europa League caps, registering a goal to his name.

Ejaria has played for the youth teams of England but has never featured for the Three Lions, and as such, he is still available to play for Nigeria.

20-year-old Femi Azeez and Nelson Abbey are regal players for Reading’s youth team. Charlton signed Akin Famewo on a second consecutive loan deal from Norwich, and it was his third game for the Addicks pre-season campaign.

For London born Diallang Jaiyesimi, he will be looking to have a better 2021/2022 season after a meagre 14 appearances last season, which saw him produce one goal and two assists.

There are many talented Nigerian players in Europe, and this pre-season has been their time under the Sun.