AFCON 2025
Brighton & Hove Albion teenager Zadok Yohanna has made his Premier League debut, becoming the fifth-youngest Nigerian to feature in England’s top flight.
The 19-year-old winger came off the bench in the 78th minute of Brighton’s 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, replacing Mats Wieffer as Fabian Hürzeler’s side secured a comfortable win.
The appearance was Yohanna’s second competitive outing for Brighton after he featured in the club’s Europa Conference League campaign earlier in the week.
Born on June 29, 2007, Yohanna was 19 years and 55 days old when he made his Premier League bow, placing him fifth on the list of youngest Nigerians to play in the competition.
Victor Anichebe remains the youngest Nigerian to debut in the Premier League, having played for Everton at 17 years and 364 days. Kelechi Iheanacho, Shola Ameobi and Celestine Babayaro occupy the next three positions, with Yohanna narrowly behind Babayaro by just five days.
Yohanna’s rise has been remarkable. He moved from Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria to Swedish club AIK in 2025 and made an immediate impact in the Allsvenskan, recording five goals and four assists in 18 appearances.
His performances attracted Brighton, who signed the youngster in June 2026 on a five-year contract for a reported Swedish-record fee of around €28 million.
The Bauchi-born winger has already impressed with his pace, dribbling ability and direct style of play, qualities that convinced Brighton to make a significant investment in his potential.
His Premier League debut now adds his name to a long list of Nigerians who have made an impact in England’s top flight, following the likes of Anichebe, Iheanacho, Babayaro, Victor Moses, Ademola Lookman, John Obi Mikel and Alex Iwobi.
With Brighton competing in both domestic and European football, Yohanna will now hope to build on his historic debut and earn more opportunities under Hürzeler.
