Nigeria teen undergoes trials at West Ham

Nigeria teenager Araphat Abubakar has had trials with English Premier League side, West Ham United, SportingLife.ng can reveal.

Sportinglife.ng understands that the talented striker who is currently a student of Brooke House College in the United Kingdom was invited based on his recent performance for his college academy.

Araphat is optimistic about his chances of securing a professional contract soon as he is on the radar of many other clubs both in England and Scotland.

“I learnt a lot at the West Ham trials, being my first and I think what I have gained will help me in the next level,” Araphat said.

The student departed the shores of Nigeria in 2017 after winning a full scholarship in the Shuffle Select football Talent Hunt held in conjunction with Brooke House College UK same year. He was selected alongside seven others who were also awarded scholarship to study and pursue their playing career at the college.

“It’s indeed a privilege for me to be here in the UK. Playing day in day out for my college against premier league youth sides is not something I saw coming really but my scholarship opened the door and I am grateful for the chance. I want to take the chance with both hands and I’m hopeful of securing a contract soon with God on my side.”

Araphat was heavily courted by teams in the UK having played against the likes of Leicester City where he score a goal, played for Barnsley U-16 and U-18 before trying out at Wigan FC.

He dreams of playing for the Nigerian national team at the youth level if the opportunity surfaces.