Potentially soon-to-be Nigeria striker Elijah Adebayo has been named among five players in the Premier League for their impactful performances for their respective clubs in January.
The 26-year-old was named in a list that also featured Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City, Diogo Jota of Liverpool, Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace and Jordan Pickford of Everton.
In the month of January, the Nigeria hopeful scored three goals in two Premier League games for Luton Town, including a hat-trick in their 4-0 win against Brighton and Hove Albion on January 30.
This achievement marks him as the first player from Luton Town to accomplish a hat-trick in the Premier League.
Adebayo was born in England to Nigerian parents and is eligible to play for the Three Lions as well as the Super Eagles.
New Nigeria striker? Adebayo ready for Super Eagles call
As we reported on Saturday, Adebayo has expressed his intention to play for the Super Eagles and could be a new Nigeria stiker.
His sentiments carry emotional weight, as he reflected on the significance of his decision for his family, particularly his mother's pride.
“I would like to play for Nigeria,” he affirmed, emphasising the profound impact it would have on his mother's happiness and pride if he turned out for the Super Eagles.
Speaking on the possibility of playing for England, Adebayo maintains an open stance, stating, “It would be a case of whichever comes first.”
However, his sentiment towards representing Nigeria is resolute, noting, “My mum would be proud if I played for Nigeria or England, but Nigeria especially.”
Adebayo's journey – from League Two to Nigeria striker?
Adebayo began his football journey with Fulham at the under-9 level before embarking on loan spells with Slough Town and Bognor Regis Town. In January 2018, he moved on loan to Cheltenham Town.
On July 7, 2018, he joined Swindon Town in League Two on a season-long loan, followed by a move to Stevenage on loan on January 31, 2019.
After being released by Fulham at the end of the 2018–19 season, he signed with Walsall in June 2019.
On February 1, 2021, Adebayo transferred to Luton Town in the Championship for an undisclosed fee. He made an impactful debut by scoring in a 1–1 draw against Millwall on February 23, 2021.
However, he faced challenges off the field and took time away, notably due to experiencing racist abuse in both October 2022 and October 2023.
He is mainly recognised as a forward but has also been deployed as a central defender occasionally.
