Super Eagles star becomes 2nd Nigerian to achieve Premier League record after 29 years

- Josh Maja scored twice to stun Carlo Ancelotti's Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park

- The brace makes the 22-year-old the second Nigerian player to score twice on his first Premier League start

- Efan Ekoku was the first-ever player to achieve the feat in May 1993

PAY ATTENTION: Join Legit.ng Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!

Fulham's chances of avoiding relegation at the end of this season were brightened last weekend after Nigerian star Josh Maja inspired them to a 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

Though The Cottagers still sit 18th on the Premier League table with 18 points from 23 topflight encounters so far, they, however, stand a chance if they maintain this form.

The 22-year-old moved to the Craven Cottage during the January transfer window in a six months deal from French side Bordeaux and was handed his first start against the Toffees.

PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed!

And he became the second Nigerian player to score a double on his first EPL start after Efan Ekoku who first achieved the feat in May 1993.

He is also the fifth Nigerian to score on his first start Efan Ekoku in May 1993, John Utaka in August 2007, Peter Odemwingie in August 2010, and Alex Iwobi in March 2016.

Maja embraced the opportunity with both hands and gave his best during his 73 minutes stay on the pitch before making his way out for Ivan Cavaleiro for the remainder of the season.

He grabbed his first goal in the 48th minute after sweeping across the 18-yard box to convert Ola Aina's cross into the net, while his second of the game came in the 65th minute.

The attacker was in the right position when Harrison Reed's shot hit the woodworks and bounced towards Maja who then tapped it into the net.

Carlo Ancelotti's men didn't know what hit them as they totally left him and one other Fulham player unmarked in their danger zone.

Maja has now scored two goals in two Premier League appearances and this could help him secure more starts before his temporary stay expires in June.

Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian forward Moses Simon inspired his French League side Nantes to their first win in the new year following their 3-1 triumph over Angers on Valentine's Day.

The 25-year-old gave the visitors the lead just after four minutes of action from close range after connecting with Ludovic Blas' pass in the 18-yard box.

Coach Raymond Domenech's men making an attacking move when the Super Eagles star made a run into space where his teammate spotted him and sent the ball his way.

Oluwatomiwa is a sports editor with Legit.ng. He has over eight years of field and office experience in the media industry. He graduated from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 2014 with HND in Mass Communication. Connect with him on Twitter @TomiwaBabalola.