Nigerian striker Adewusi Habeeb has been handed a trial by English Premier League side Crystal Palace, marking a significant step in his young football career. The 15-year-old forward, born in May 2009, is currently undergoing assessment by the Eagles’ youth academy after impressing at Brooke House College Football Academy in the UK. His performances have drawn attention from Crystal Palace’s recruitment team, who are evaluating his potential for a future professional contract.
Habeeb’s rise to prominence began in Nigeria, where he was the top scorer in the Nigerian U19 Youth League (South Western Region) while playing for Lagos-based academy Shuffle Select. He netted 18 goals during that campaign, showcasing his clinical finishing and ability to dominate matches. His move to the UK was aimed at advancing his development in a more competitive environment, and his talent has already caught the eye of top-tier English football scouts.
At Brooke House College, Habeeb has continued to shine, drawing comparisons to former academy products like Jesse Sekidika, who played for Galatasaray, and Thompson Ishaka, who trained with Rangers. His technical skills, including excellent footwork and a powerful shot with both feet, make him a versatile and dangerous attacker. He also possesses a strong physical presence in the box, allowing him to hold up play and finish under pressure.
Despite his impressive performances, Habeeb must wait until he turns 18 to sign his first professional contract with Crystal Palace. This means he will need to continue impressing during his trial period and possibly extend his stay in the academy to meet the age requirement. The club’s youth setup has a history of nurturing Nigerian talent, with several players of Nigerian descent currently in their ranks, including Mofe Jemide, Asher Agbinone, Chuks Okoli, Oladotun Lamidi, and Jemiah Umolu.
Crystal Palace’s academy has produced notable Nigerian stars, most notably Victor Moses, who went on to win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and represent Nigeria at two FIFA World Cups. Moses’ journey from the academy to international fame serves as inspiration for young talents like Habeeb. The club’s continued investment in Nigerian players reflects a growing recognition of the country’s footballing potential.
As Habeeb continues his trial, all eyes are on whether he can replicate the success of his predecessors. His journey is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of the increasing pathways for Nigerian youth to break into top European football. The future looks bright for the young striker, and his performance in the coming weeks could shape his professional career.
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