PL2: Nigerian attacker scores 88th minute winner for Tottenham Hotspur against Middlesbrough

Nigerian striker Damola Ajayi continued his impressive form for Tottenham Hotspur youth teams with the match-winning goal for the development squad in a 2-1 victory over Middlesbrough in a Premier League 2 encounter at the Riverside on Sunday afternoon.

Ajayi started the season as a second year scholar before signing his first professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur in January 2024.

With the score level at 1-1 and both teams in search of a winning goal, Tottenham U21 boss Wayne Burnett brought on Ajayi as a replacement for former Chelsea starlet Jude Soonsup-Bell at minute 70 and it proved to be an inspired substitute. 

Will Lankshear's early opener was canceled out by George Gitau in the second minute of first half stoppage time.

Two minutes from time, Ajayi nicked the points for Tottenham, slotting home via a deflection after Rio Kyerematen picked up a loose ball and laid it to him. 

He also scored a memorable late winner in a seven-goal thriller against Chelsea in an U18 Premier League match back in October. 

Although technically an U18 player, he has showed his quality whenever he gets the chance to feature for the development squad, having scored or assisted in each of his four league appearances for the age group so far this season. 

Overall, Ajayi has mustered eleven goals while providing seven assists in 20 matches combined in the U18 Premier League, Premier League Two, EFL Trophy and FA Youth Cup.

He was promoted to first team training by manager Ange Postecoglou before Tottenham first team traveled to Australia and Asia for pre-season matches ahead of the 2023-2024 campaign. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com