Yohanna beats Mikel, Lookman, Iwobi to Premier League record after Brighton debut

Zadok Yohanna etched his name into Premier League history on Sunday after becoming one of the youngest Nigerians ever to appear in the competition during Brighton and Hove Albion’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.

The 19-year-old winger’s late introduction marked the latest chapter in a remarkable rise that has taken him from Nigerian academy football to the English top flight in just two years.

Yohanna entered the contest in the 78th minute, replacing Mats Wieffer as Brighton comfortably managed the closing stages of their dominant victory at the Amex Stadium.

The Nigerian youngster’s appearance came after Brighton made the decision to keep him within the first-team setup for the 2026/27 season rather than send him out on loan.

That decision underlined the club’s confidence in Yohanna’s ability and potential, with the teenager rewarded with his first Premier League opportunity just weeks after impressing during pre-season.

Brighton had already taken complete control of the match before Yohanna’s arrival. Victor Lindelöf’s own goal opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Maxime De Cuyper doubled the advantage ten minutes later.

Jack Hinshelwood then added two goals in quick succession before half-time to complete a convincing 4-0 victory. Although Yohanna only had limited time on the pitch, his Premier League debut represented another important milestone in a career that continues to move at remarkable speed.

At 19 years and 55 days old, Yohanna became the fifth-youngest Nigerian player to make a Premier League appearance.

The Brighton winger now ranks behind only Victor Anichebe, Kelechi Iheanacho, Shola Ameobi and Celestine Babayaro on Nigeria’s list of youngest Premier League debutants. However, Yohanna achieved the feat earlier than several Nigerian football icons who later became established Premier League stars.

The teenager made his debut younger than Victor Moses, who first featured in the Premier League at 19 years and 55 days, as well as Ademola Lookman (19 years and 97 days), John Obi Mikel (19 years and 120 days), Ade Akinbiyi (19 years and 153 days) and Alex Iwobi (19 years and 181 days).

His breakthrough places him among an impressive group of Nigerian talents who have made their mark in England’s top division.

With Brighton’s reputation for developing young players and Yohanna already earning first-team opportunities, the winger will now look to build on his historic debut and establish himself as the latest Nigerian star to shine in the Premier League.