Super Eagles player, Josh Maja has equalled a Premier League record that stood before he was born. The Fulham star scored twice on his first EPL start to hand his side an unlikely 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.
The brace means Maja is only the second Nigerian to score twice on his first start in the English Premier League since Efan Ekoku achieved the feat in May 1993.
🇳🇬 @joshmaja is the second Nigerian to score a brace on his first #PL start, after Efan Ekoku in May 1993 👏#EVEFULpic.twitter.com/Zs0xXi0SDh
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 14, 2021
The win gives The Cottagers a fresh boost as they aim to avoid relegation. Though they still sit 18th on the table with 19 points from 23 games, they still stand a good chance of escaping the drop if they keep their form up.
The first strike was made in Nigeria as fellow Super Eagles players, Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman combined beautifully in the build up to Josh Maja’s record-equalling Premier League game.
The 22-year-old completed a January transfer to Craven Cottage from French side, Bordeaux in a deal that expires in six months. Scott Parker handed him his first start and he took his chances, equalling Efan Ekoku’s record as he netted two goals.
He is also the fifth Nigerian to score on his first start. Efan Ekoku, John Utaka, Perer Odemwingie and Alex Iwobi are those before him.
5 – Josh Maja is the fifth Nigerian player to score on his first @premierleague start, after Efan Ekoku in May 1993, John Utaka in August 2007, Peter Odemwingie in August 2010 and Alex Iwobi in March 2016. Eagles. pic.twitter.com/bmqS2sB4bE
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 14, 2021
