Southampton vs Sunderland: Two young Nigerian talents hit five goals as Ogunsuyi outshines Udoh

Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi and Victor Udoh stole the spotlight as Sunderland U21 and Southampton U21 played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in their Premier League 2 clash on Friday afternoon, Footynaija.com reports.

The match was a showcase of Nigeria’s rich attacking talent abroad, with Samuel-Ogunsuyi and Udoh scoring the first five goals of the encounter.

Samuel-Ogunsuyi bagged a hat-trick, while Udoh notched a brace as both sides settled for a pulsating share of the points.

It was Southampton’s Udoh who set the tone in the seventh minute, combining with Moses Sesay before firing home the opener. That early goal spurred Samuel-Ogunsuyi into action, as the Belgian-Nigerian teenager struck twice—once midway through the first half and again five minutes into the second—to put Sunderland ahead.

Udoh responded shortly after, bringing the match level at 2-2. The forward, who joined Southampton from Royal Antwerp in February, showed his poacher’s instinct to keep the hosts in the contest.

The points are shared with a Victor Udoh brace and Max Fry on target at Staplewood pic.twitter.com/o38okCeyJt

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) February 21, 2025

But Samuel-Ogunsuyi wasn’t finished. The electric forward completed his hat-trick in the 60th minute, reminding many in the stands of his credentials as one of Sunderland’s brightest prospects. The 18-year-old has been named on the bench 11 times for Sunderland’s senior team this season but is yet to make his Championship debut.

His prolific form in the academy suggests it won’t be long before he forces his way into coach Régis Le Bris’ plans. Samuel-Ogunsuyi now boasts eight goals in eight Premier League 2 matches this season, alongside three goals in two appearances for the U18s.

Trey Samuel-Ogunsuyi (CF "06) is just incredible for Sunderland U21/U18 this season, attracting a lot of teams.

Tall CF with good technique — strong hold up play, great attacking runs well, especially great finisher in the box.

5 games, 5G in PL 2 currently. pic.twitter.com/lx2tOq2FRM

— Elijah Michiels (@ElijahKaneki) December 22, 2024

Southampton, however, ensured they didn’t leave empty-handed, as 19-year-old Cameron Roger Bragg netted a 65th-minute equaliser to secure a share of the spoils.

Sunderland return to Championship action on February 22, hosting Hull City—perhaps with Samuel-Ogunsuyi edging closer to his long-awaited first-team debut.