Josh Maja becomes first Nigerian player to score in 2025

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward Josh Maja opened 2025 with a brace for English Championship side West Bromwich Albion on New Year’s Day.

The Baggies secured a 3-1 win over Preston North End to brighten their chances of gaining promotion to the English Premier League (EPL).

Maja broke the deadlock for the host in the 18th minute from Mikey Johnston’s assist at the Hawthorns.

Callum Styles doubled the lead for West Brom in the 35th minute as Johnson’s second assist of the match doubled the advantage.

Five minutes later, Maja completed his brace with Westbrom’s third goal as Darnell Furlong set him up.

Ryan Ledson pulled a goal down for the visitors in the 70th minute, but it could not deter the host from their first win of the New Year.

Maja, whose brace increased his goal tally to 12 in the league this season, was replaced by Uros Racic in the 74th minute.

The win ensured that Westrom occupied the sixth position, the last playoff spot with 39 points after 25 games, the same as seventh-placed Blackburn Rovers, which has played 24 matches.

Westrom will visit Swansea City in their next league encounter on January 4, 2025.