Two Nigerian talents, Victor Musa and Nehemiah Oriola, have been shortlisted for the Premier League 2 Player of the Month award for March, marking a significant achievement for young Nigerian footballers in England’s top youth division. The Premier League announced the eight-player shortlist, highlighting standout performances from academy players across the country. Musa, 19, plays for Manchester United’s Under-21 side, while Oriola, 18, represents Brighton & Hove Albion in the same competition. Both players delivered impressive form last month, earning recognition from the Premier League Football Development Panel.
Victor Musa started every Premier League 2 match for Manchester United in March, playing all but seven minutes across the fixtures. His consistent presence on the pitch was rewarded with three goals, including a brace against Southampton and a decisive first-half goal in a 1-0 win over Reading. His performances caught the attention of first-team manager Michael Carrick, who included the Spanish-born forward in the squad for a training camp in Dublin last week. This inclusion signals growing confidence in Musa’s potential to break into the senior team.
Nehemiah Oriola also made a strong case for the award with three goals and one assist in four appearances for Brighton. He stood out in a 2-0 victory at Burnley on March 16, contributing both a goal and an assist. Six days later, he netted a brace in a dominant 5-0 win over Everton. Oriola has already earned seven call-ups to Brighton’s senior squad this season and made his debut against Leeds United in November 2025, showcasing his rapid development.
The pair now face stiff competition from other top performers, including Middlesbrough’s Frankie Coulson and Jack Daley, Sunderland’s Charlie Dinsdale, Chelsea’s Ryan Kavuma-McQueen and Harrison Murray-Campbell, and Liverpool’s Kieran Morrison. Each nominee has demonstrated excellence in the Premier League 2, which serves as a crucial platform for young players aiming to reach the senior level. The winner will be selected by the Premier League Football Development Panel, with the announcement date yet to be confirmed.
This recognition underscores the growing influence of Nigerian youth in English football academies and highlights the talent emerging from the country’s football development pathways. As Musa and Oriola continue to shine, their performances could pave the way for more opportunities in the senior leagues, further strengthening Nigeria’s presence in European football.
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