Justin Oboavwoduo stole the show yesterday for the youth side of Manchester City with a hattrick in their 3-0 win over Sparta Prague in the UEFA Youth League, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
The young English forward of Nigerian descent single handedly wrecked the visitors with his treble taking his goal count for the season to six goals in nine games for the youth side of the English champions.
He has progressed through the ranks at the club quite quickly, last season, he played for both City’s U18 and EDS teams and was part of the squad that won the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia. To top off a fantastic season, he made 30 appearances and contributed to 12 goals, including a goal at the Etihad during City’s 4-0 FA Youth Cup final victory over Leeds United.
Many expect him to be the next in line for a promotion to the first team of the champions , which could likely spark a tug over his international future between Nigeria and England as he is eligible for both countries despite representing England at various youth levels.
His mother Judith in an interview with Flashscore expressed her joy at seeing her son hit the ground running, and also hinted that his international future is very open because as much as he was born and raised in England, he is still a Nigerian by origin.
“It feels great actually, awesome it feels great that he is playing well, doing well and be able to score goals for his team; I think it’s great,” Mrs. Oboavwoduo told Flashscore.
She continued: “I have always said we are open to where God leads. I will always bring God (factor) in everything. If it’s England or Nigeria – because we are still Nigerians – it’s fine because we are still following closely how Nigeria is playing in their leagues and everything, so that’s great.
“Right now, my younger daughter – Justin’s younger sister is at the U17 World Cup in England and she is just 14. While the game was going on, I was speaking with her and we have been closely following her. I have been watching all the (Flamingos) games because Nigeria is there.
“Nigeria has qualified (for the next round) and England has qualified, so it’s just awesome. So, wherever it leads, we would go.”
