Everton, Lampard Delighted With Progress Of Nigeria-Born Francis Okoronkwo

Everton, Lampard Delighted With Progress Of Nigeria-Born Francis Okoronkwo 

Ibraheem Lateef Ayodele

Nigeria-born Everton starlet Francis Okoronkwo is already making waves at the youth level, BSNSports.com.ng has gathered.

Born in Blyth, Northumberland, to Nigerian parents, Francis Okoronkwo joined Sunderland at the age of 12 and developed over the years into a skilful striker who shows impressive speed, movement and balance.

While still only 16, Okoronkwo featured in 17 of Sunderland’s 24 U18 Premier League matches during the 2020-21 season, scoring three times and providing three assists. 

Everton's recruitment team needed little persuasion that he was right for The Blues when they watched him score one goal and set up another in the Black Cats’ 4-3 victory over Everton in May 2021.

The Under-21s could be set to lose striker Tom Cannon during the January transfer window.

Cannon may either go out on loan or may even step up to Frank Lampard's first team.

Per the Liverpool Echo, Okoronkwo is being seen as the ideal replacement for Cannon.

The forward was impressive in a 4-2 defeat to Lincoln City in the Papa Johns Trophy this week.

U21s coach Paul Tait said post-game: "Frankie was excellent. You bring the subs on and you want them to make an impact, especially the front players, and he certainly did that."