Aluko, Nwoko, Sowunmi & Akachukwu shine in PL2 goals on Friday

Four young players eligible for Nigeria found the net in Friday’s Premier League 2 action, All Nigeria Soccer reports. Olabade Aluko captained Leicester City in their tough 6-3 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, getting his side’s first goal by weaving past two defenders before slotting home from a tight angle in the 21st minute.

Chibuzo Nwoko opened his scoring account of the season for Fulham by curling a superb strike into the bottom corner seven minutes before the end, helping secure their 2-0 win over West Brom.

Meanwhile, Elisha Sowunmi scored for West Ham U21s in their 3-0 victory over Birmingham City. The forward latched onto a pass from Tyron Akpata, who created the opening by allowing the ball to run through to Sowunmi’s better angle.

Romeo Akachukwu continued his fine form for Southampton, scoring his third goal in four matches. His effort came just before half-time, side-footing home from the edge of the box to put the Saints ahead in a 2-1 win over Burnley.

Editorial

We are encouraged to see such promising performances from young Nigerians in Premier League 2. These matches are more than just fixtures they’re vital proving grounds. When players like Aluko, Nwoko, Sowunmi, and Akachukwu score consistently, they aren’t merely adding statistics they are staking claims. It shows readiness to transition from youth promise to professional expectation.

Aluko’s composure, even in a heavy defeat, suggests leadership quality. Captaining the side and still making incisive contributions under pressure sends a message: potential is becoming presence. Nwoko’s late finish for Fulham underscores another trait too often overlooked in youngsters patience and timing. Sowunmi and Akachukwu, similarly, exhibit hunger and sharpness that could accelerate their development.

These performances reflect more than individual talent; they reflect system benefit. When youth academies offer solid coaching, creative freedom, and match time, this is what emerges: young men who don’t shy away from big moments. Nigerian football needs more of these moments more opportunities for talents to show what they can do against competitive opposition.

If these players continue on this trajectory, they will provide not just depth for clubs but also options for the national setup. We believe that the future of Nigerian football depends on nurturing these kinds of growth spurts—allowing promise to mature into performance on the main stage. Their goals are early chapters in what could become defining stories.

Did You Know?

1. Premier League 2 is a competition primarily for U21 players (though some overage players are allowed), designed to bridge the gap between youth football and senior professional games.
2. Many current Nigerian internationals spent time in Premier League 2 before breaking into first teams—this pathway has been crucial for exposure.
3. Olabade Aluko’s capability to operate both as a leader (captain) and an attacking contributor at a young age is relatively rare, and could fast-track his prospects.
4. Scoring from the edge of the box as Akachukwu did is often harder than it looks, demanding precision, spatial awareness, and timing. It’s an indicator of a player working on technique and confidence.
5. Consistency in scoring (for example, Akachukwu’s three goals in four matches) tends to draw attention from senior squads both club and country offering young players chances that go beyond just youth competitions.