NIgerians Salute 2020/21 English Premier League Top Scorer, Tai Sodje

…Tip Him To Be A Great Player

By Ogo Clarkson

Major stakeholders in the Nigeria soccer industry have hailed 2020/21 Under 18 English Premier League top goal scorer, Tai Sodje for ending the season on a high note.

Tai Sodje who is the nephew of Efe and Sam Sodje who were former Nigeria Super Eagles players, emerged one of the best players in the just concluded season of the U18 EPL with Manchester City.

His uncle, Efe Sodje, who was former Super Eagles defender now FIFA licensed coach in England, said Tai is doing very well for his club and hopes to break into the senior team of Manchester City.

The bandana tying player said he will advise Tai to play for Nigeria because he will have a lot of opportunities unlike players who picked England without further opportunities.

Coach Eddy Doubraye who also played for the Nigeria National team congratulated the striker, saying football runs in the gene of his family, making reference to his five uncles who played professional football.

“No wonder, am not surprised because at same age his uncles started getting famous playing football in Warri. On a serious note, it’s a huge achievement for the young man, England and especially Man City which is a very good club for him to develop. It’s not a small achievement, congrats to him.”

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While Sam Sodje, who happens to be the godfather of the 17 year old striker, said he hopes they can influence the player to make the right choice.

When asked if Tai will want to play for his fatherland, Sam replied: “Oh that’s definitely what we hope and I personally will convince him to play for Nigeria though it’s too early for that and to be fair with him, myself and Efe (his uncles) grew up in Nigeria so it was easy to make that decision to represent Nigeria but for Tai he really don’t know much about Nigeria football.

“He is my Godson so hopefully I can influence him and move him to play for our beloved country Nigeria. Though his decision is final.”

President of Nigeria Super Football Super Club, NFSC, Rev Samuel Ikpea said Tai is a future superstar no doubt.

“Tai Sodje is a promising player and I am sure the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and our coaches are following up on him. They know the right thing to do at the right time.”

Tai Sodje won the 2020/21 League season with Man City and emerged City’s highest goal scorer with 19 goals even with injury to emerge the second highest scorer behind England, Manchester United Charlie Mcneill with 24 goals.