By George Akpayen
Top scorer of the last edition of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Youth League, Seiyefa Jackson got his senior career off to a flyer when he came off the bench to score in Rivers United’s 4-1 win over Sporting Lagos on Sunday.
Seiyefa was named in Rivers United’s matchday squad by Rivers United head coach Evans Ogenyi after he impressed during the buildup to the Matchday 33 fixture against Sporting Lagos.
The youngster started from the bench and at some point, it looked like his senior debut would be put on hold after Sporting Lagos held Rivers United to a 1-1 draw at the break after Tochukwu Michael scored from the spot to cancel Samuel Antwi’s strike for United.
However, two goals from in-form striker Andy Okpe before the final 20 minutes handed Rivers United a two-goal cushion and Ogenyi decided to throw Seiyefa into the mix.
Five minutes after coming off the bench to replace his captain Nyima Nwagua, the youngster scored his first NPFL goal on his debut to make the scoreline 4-1 to Rivers United.
Seiyefa showed why he finished the NPFL Youth League in March this year as top scorer with four goals that helped play a major part in ensuring Rivers United won the youth league championship.
Rivers United’s number 38 is likened to former Nigerian international Obafemi Martins for his pace and power.