French football expert admits ‘interesting’ Super Eagles star was not expected to return to the top level

The one-cap Nigeria international striker has shut down many of his critics following a brilliant first half of the season

French football analyst Jonathan d’Agostino has revealed his surprise at the incredible return to goalscoring form for Nigerian and Girondins Bordeaux forward Josh Maja.

Previously much maligned in France, Maja has seen a turnaround in fortunes at Bordeaux.

The former Sunderland ace has gone from being a regular benchwarmer to being the number-one goalscorer at the club.

Maja has been leading Bordeaux’s charge towards an instant return to Ligue 1, following their relegation last time.

Aside from his recent goal in a friendly win over Brentford, the Super Eagles striker has contributed ten goals (7 goals, 3 assists) to Bordeaux’s cause.

That excellent output has forced even his harshest critics to sing his praises.

One of those is Ligue 1 expert Jonathan d’Agostino who confessed to WebGirondins that he never expected Maja to come good for Bordeaux after his mediocre first few years in France.

“We see that the more it goes, the more the attack is less and less effective,” Jonathan d’Agostino said.

“However, we (Bordeaux) have strengths, especially with Bakwa who manages to make a difference in 1v1s. Josh Maja who scored 7 goals and delivered 3 assists in 15 games, it’s still a ratio that is very interesting for a player we thought we would never see again at a good level.”

Maja joined Bordeaux from Sunderland in January 2019, scoring nine league goals in his first three years at the club before the start of this season.