Josh Maja marked his return to the pitch with a sensational hat-trick, leading West Bromwich Albion to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the opening day of the 2024-25 Championship season, Soccernet.ng reports.
This remarkable feat made him the first West Brom player in 91 years to score a hat-trick in the club’s opening league game of the season, a record last set by Alf Bentley in 1913.
1913 – Josh Maja is the first West Brom player to score a hat-trick in their opening game of a league season since Alf Bentley in 1913-14. Magic. pic.twitter.com/E2vv8Acb20
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 10, 2024
Maja, 25, joined West Brom from Bordeaux last summer but endured a challenging first season, starting only one game before a serious injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.
However, on just his second start since his return, Maja made an immediate impact, scoring three goals that turned the match in West Brom's favour after Lucas Andersen had given QPR the lead.
The Baggies found themselves trailing early, but they responded quickly.
In the 24th minute, new signing Torbjorn Heggem delivered a pinpoint cross that Maja expertly headed into the net, leveling the score.
Early in the second half, Maja doubled his tally, muscling past defenders to head home a cross from Tom Fellows.
Maja completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute with a stunning acrobatic volley, again assisted by Fellows, sealing the comeback victory.
His performance not only secured three points for the Baggies but also ended a five-year wait for a West Brom player to score a hat-trick.
Maja, who made his debut and only appearance for Nigeria in 2019, received a standing ovation from the travelling fans as he was substituted for debutant Devante Cole in the 75th minute.
His heroic performance signals a promising season ahead for both Maja and West Brom.
