Overlooked Super Eagles striker Maja dubbed 'The Major' starts new year with man of the match award

Super Eagles star Josh Maja celebrates one of his goals.

Overlooked Super Eagles striker Maja dubbed 'The Major' starts new year with man of the match award

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 14:34 - 02.01.2025

The Super Eagles star Josh Maja kicked off 2025 in style after his brace for Championship club West Bromwich Albion.

Super Eagles striker Josh Maja has kicked off 2025 in spectacular fashion, earning the Man of the Match award after scoring two goals in West Bromwich Albion's 3-1 victory over Preston North End on January 1. 

This performance marks a huge turnaround for Maja, who had been struggling with an eight-match goal drought before this match on New Year’s day.

Maja's impressive display not only helped secure the win for West Brom but also showcased his return to form, as he netted both goals in a fantastic first half display by the Baggies. 

The Nigerian forward's contributions were crucial, with his first goal coming shortly after kickoff and his second extending the lead to 3-0 before halftime. 

Josh Maja ended his eight-match drought in style!

This brace brings Maja's total to 12 goals in 25 appearances this season, placing him just three goals behind the Championship's top scorer, Borja Sainz.

Fans recognised Maja's outstanding performance by voting him as their Man of the Match, with West Brom announcing on social media: “Our striker. You voted Josh Maja as your MOTM against Preston North End!” 

Maja has 12 goals this season for WBA.

This award reflects is a perfect start to 2025 for the 26-year-old striker who has been capped just once by Nigeria at international level.

Maja expressed his delight at ending his goal drought and contributing significantly to the team's victory. 

WBA off to the perfect start thanks to Nigeria's Maja.

His performance has reignited hopes for both him and West Brom as they look to build on this momentum in their collective bid to gain promotion to the Premier League come end of the current season.