Timoni Gbalajobi – 16-year old goal-scoring machine is a star in the making

By Maxwell Kumoye and Raymond Nwaduba

 

A promising Nigerian-born attacker making waves in the United States, Timoni Gbalajobi, is positioning himself for a possible return to his roots with the Golden Eaglets.

The 16-year-old striker has emerged as one of the prolific young forwards in the Philadelphia Union youth setup, where his goal scoring exploits have continued to attract attention.

Gbalajobi already has international experience with the United States, having featured for the country’s U-15 boys’ team. However, the teenager is now contemplating a switch to Nigeria at U-17 level, with the prospect of wearing the famous green-and-white colours firmly on his radar.

For the youngster, the attraction is more than just football.

“Playing for Nigeria would be special. It has been a long-standing ambition and would be a great source of pride,” Gbalajobi said.

He added, “Every young player dreams of representing their country when the opportunity comes.”

His credentials provide plenty of reason for Nigerian selectors to take notice.

Gbalajobi produced 35 goals and seven assists in 45 matches last season, numbers that underline his consistency in front of goal. He also finished as the U-16 Golden Boot winner at the Snow Bowl academy tournament in February 2026.

The teenager’s situation also highlights the increasingly competitive battle for the international futures of players with Nigerian heritage.

Nigeria has seen several talents with ties to the country opt to represent other nations, including England stars Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, France’s Michael Olise, Austria’s David Alaba and Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji.

With Gbalajobi already having represented the United States at youth level, Nigeria could be presented with another opportunity to bring a highly-rated prospect into its national-team system.

A Golden Eaglets invitation would give the young forward the chance to make his case on Nigerian soil and potentially begin a new chapter in his international career.

For now, Gbalajobi’s impressive numbers continue to speak loudly, while the teenager waits for the opportunity he hopes will take him from the Philadelphia Union youth ranks to the Golden Eaglets.