How 19-year-old Nigerian descent Edozie dented Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes

A teenager of Nigerian descent has unexpectedly inserted himself into the heart of England’s Premier League title drama, and in the process sent shockwaves through Arsenal’s championship ambitions.

Tom Edozie, 19, born in England to a Nigerian father and English mother, scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser on his Premier League debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers, denying Arsenal a crucial victory and tightening the title race.
The goal came barely 10 minutes after he was introduced, as Wolves, rooted to the bottom of the table, fought back from two goals down to earn a remarkable 2–2 draw.

Now, Edozie moves from unknown to headline maker. What makes the moment even more extraordinary is that he did not initially know the goal was his.

The late equaliser was first recorded as an own goal off Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori. But after the final whistle, the Premier League confirmed the goal belonged to the Nigerian-heritage teenager.

The decisive moment unfolded when Mateus Mane’s cross from the left caused chaos inside Arsenal’s penalty area. Defender Gabriel collided with goalkeeper David Raya in an attempt to clear the ball, which broke loose, and Edozie reacted quickest, striking first time with his right foot.

The shot ricocheted off Gabriel, hit the post, rebounded off Calafiori and rolled into the net.
For Arsenal, it was agony. For Edozie, disbelief.

“Playing football as a kid, you dream of things like this,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m just so thankful to the manager for putting me on the pitch. It’s a dream come true.”

It was only during his post-match interview that he discovered the goal had officially been credited to him.