By David Awopetu
Nigerian teenage sensation, Dapo Afolayan, scored as David Moyes’ West Ham recorded another victory on Saturday, their fifth on the bounce, defeating Doncaster Rovers 4-0 at the London Stadium in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Afolayan, a product of the Chelsea academy, finally made his long-awaited debut for the Hammers, three years after joining the club and marked his maiden appearance with a goal eight minutes after coming off the bench.
The 23-year-old revealed that he was informed of his inclusion in the matchday squad only after he was substituted during Friday night’s Premier League 2 clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Afolayan’s other appearance in the FA Cup came against Wycombe Wanderers in November 2017 while wearing the colours of non-leaguers Solihull Moors.
“I am delighted it is a dream come true. it has been a couple of years of hard work since I joined the cub.”
“I thought Ryan (Fredericks) was going to square it but he had a shot and I just followed it in.
“I played 60 mins last night for the U23s. When I came off I got told I was in the squad for today. I just had to go home and prepare.
“All I can do is come in every day and work hard and pray I get opportunities and take them.
“I have played in the FA Cup before. To score in the fourth round here is a dream.”
Afolayan is the third Nigeria-eligible player to debut for West Ham first team in 2020-2021, after center back Ajibola Alese and striker Ademipo Odubeko.
