English Premier League
Josh Maja nets historic hat-trick in West Brom season opener
By Monsurah Olatunji
Nigeria international Josh Maja was at the centre of attention following his hat trick in West Bromwich Albion’s 3-1 victory against Queens Park Rangers in their English Championship opener on Saturday.
The 25-year-old joined West Brom from Bordeaux last summer but endured a challenging first season, starting only one game before a serious injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.
However, on just his second start since his return, Maja made an immediate impact, scoring three goals.
The one-cap Super Eagles striker opened his account in the 26th minute, cancelling out QPR’s early lead through Lucas Andersen.
Early in the second half, Maja doubled his tally, muscling past defenders to head home a cross from Tom Fellows.
The former Sunderland striker completed his hat-trick with an acrobatic kick after a poor clearance by the host’s defence inside the box in the 65th minute before he was substituted in the 76th minute.
This remarkable feat made him the first Baggies player in 91 years to score a hat-trick in the club’s opening league game of the season, since Alf Bentley in 1913.
Meanwhile, his compatriot Semi Ajayi featured for the entire 90 minutes as West Brom secured their first three points of the new campaign.
