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Nigerian defenders Isaac Schmidt and James Debayo are set to join the Premier League’s expanding Nigerian contingent after sealing promotion to the top flight with Leeds United, Footynaija.com reports.
Their Premier League dream was confirmed on Monday evening following Burnley’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United at Turf Moor. That result mathematically secured automatic promotion for both Burnley and Leeds, who had earlier thrashed Stoke City 6-0 at Elland Road.
With two Championship games remaining, Leeds sit level on points with Burnley and could still claim the league title if they beat Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle, while hoping Vincent Kompany’s side slip up. Both clubs are now targeting the 100-point milestone.
WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE!!! pic.twitter.com/iyGtdHe8nI
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 21, 2025
Schmidt, who arrived from Swiss side FC St. Gallen on deadline day last summer, featured 12 times during Leeds’ promotion-winning campaign—all from the bench. The 25-year-old midfielder remains highly rated and is expected to push for more minutes next season in the Premier League.
Born to a Swiss French father and Nigerian mother, the left-back featured in two friendly matches for Switzerland earlier this year.
Debayo, still only 19, made a solitary appearance this season despite being named in 24 matchday squads. The teenage centre-back is considered one for the future at Elland Road.
WE ARE GOING UP!!! pic.twitter.com/abetGtf9hO
— Leeds United (@LUFC) April 21, 2025
Interestingly, James Debayo is the younger brother of Josh Debayo, who trained with Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets ahead of the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup in the UAE.
An England U18 international, Debayo was on the radar of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur before he completed his move to Leeds from Watford academy in 2021.
