Nigerian teenager Joshua Udoh has written his name into the record books after becoming the youngest African player to feature in a FIFA Club World Cup match, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 17-year-old midfielder came on in the 90th minute for United Arab Emirates outfit Al Ain in their Group G clash against Juventus at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Although Udoh’s late cameo came in a heavy 5–0 defeat to the Italian giants at Audi Field, the significance of his debut was not lost.
At just 17 years and 349 days, the talented midfielder is now the youngest Nigerian and African to play at the prestigious tournament.
Joshua Udoh makes history!
— Jide Taiwo sport (@Taiwobabajide6) June 19, 2025
At just 17 years and 349 days, Nigerian midfielder Joshua Udoh becomes the youngest African ever to feature in FIFA Club World Cup history. ✨
He made his professional debut for @alainfcae_en with a late cameo appearance against Juventus today. pic.twitter.com/e1TJtlSgw0
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Udoh’s appearance marked his professional debut and offered a proud moment for both Al Ain and African football. His brief introduction, replacing Soufiane Rahimi, was a tactical nod from manager Vladimir Ivic to give the teenager a taste of elite competition.
Juventus maul Joshua Udoh's Al Ain
However, Juventus were in no mood to accommodate sentimental moments.
The Serie A heavyweights delivered a commanding performance, with Randal Kolo Muani and Francisco Conceição each scoring twice and Kenan Yildiz adding another.
From the opening whistle, Juventus controlled proceedings, combining direct wing play with intricate movement through the middle. Costa and Cambiaso were threats on the flanks, while Thuram and Kalulu constantly disrupted Al Ain’s backline with smart runs.
Kolo Muani opened the scoring with a powerful header from a Costa cross before Conceição made it two after capitalising on a defensive scramble. Yildiz’s long-range strike made it three inside half an hour. Kolo Muani’s second, following a long ball from Thuram, and Conceição’s solo effort in the second half sealed an emphatic result.
Al Ain’s best moments came after the break when VAR disallowed a goal for offside and Kodjo Laba forced a fine save from Di Gregorio. But despite occasional bursts from Rahimi and Traoré, the Emirati side never threatened to mount a comeback.
Juventus now look ahead to fixtures against Wydad Casablanca and Manchester City, while for young Udoh, a milestone night ends in personal triumph amid collective disappointment.
