Tobi Akinyimika signs two year scholarship deal with Championship side Watford

NIGERIA-eligible teenage striker Tobi Akinyimika has signed a two-year scholarship deal with English Championship side Watford that will lead to him joining up with the club's U18 team for the forthcoming season.

Akinyimika, 16, who is eligible to play for the Golden Eaglets, is a member of Watford's intake of academy scholars for the 2024/25 season. Other members include Zack Braverman, Tony Cowie, Marats Galajevs, Jai-Dea Moulton, Tyler Notley, Jael Norville, Jonny Scriven, Kymani Smith Daley, Sebastian Thrussell and Raul Vancea.

Hoping to break into the senior team eventually, Akinyimika joined Watford in January 8, this year and will be aiming to sign his first professional contract on or before the completion of his apprenticeship contract. He will be given the chance to develop both on and off the pitch, gaining nationally recognised qualifications that will help him on his journey throughout life and football.

Akinyimika will be aiming to emulate Nigerian players Tobi Adeyemo, Joseph Hungbo and Jayden Bennetts, who rose through the Watford youth team ranks to make their first team debuts for the club. He will be guided on the pitch by Watford U18s head coach Matt Bevans and his assistant Lloyd Doyley.

Thos forthcoming season, Watford will be competing in the U18 Professional Development League, the U18 Professional Development League Cup and the FA Youth Cup. Akinyimika will be looking forward to seeing regular action in all the competitions in the hope that it will bring him to the attention of the senior team coaches.