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UEFA Europa League: Meet 19 Year Old Jimoh Aloba, Aston Villa’s Nigerian Match Winner in Salzburg

Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba announced himself on the European stage after scoring the decisive goal for Aston Villa in their dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the UEFA Europa League.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder came off the bench to net a late winner, helping Villa finish second in the league phase of the competition.

His goal capped a memorable night for Unai Emery’s side, who had trailed 2–0 early in the second half before mounting a spirited fightback.

With Ollie Watkins forced off by injury and Villa struggling for momentum, Jimoh-Aloba was introduced in the 66th minute.

He made an instant impact, scoring with just three minutes remaining after goals from Morgan Rogers and Tyrone Mings had brought the hosts level.

At full-time, the teenager was urged towards the Holte End by team-mate Amadou Onana, where he received a rapturous reception from the Villa Park faithful.

Speaking after the match, Jimoh-Aloba described the moment as the highlight of his young career.

“It’s a proud moment for me on my European debut.”

“Really nice to make my family proud. I’ve had a lot of lows and highs this season, but this is right at the top. My mum is in the stand somewhere,” he said.

Rising star

Born to Nigerian heritage, Jimoh-Aloba joined Aston Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2023 at the age of 16, having already represented England at Under-16 and Under-17 levels.

He signed a long-term contract with Villa in October 2024 and was part of the squad that lifted the FA Youth Cup last season, scoring in the final against Manchester City.

He made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup against Wycombe Wanderers and his Premier League debut last month against Arsenal.

The Salzburg strike marked his first goal in major European competition, making him the fourth-youngest scorer for Aston Villa in Europe.

Team-mate Morgan Rogers, who previously shared time with him in West Brom’s academy, praised the youngster’s work ethic and potential.

“He’s a really nice kid. He works hard in training and gives his all. He might be shy and nervous, but he shows his quality. Moments like this will bring him out of his shell,” Rogers said.

Manager Unai Emery also highlighted the importance of giving young players opportunities on big occasions, noting that Jimoh-Aloba and fellow academy products seized their chance.

For Jimoh-Aloba, the goal in Salzburg may prove to be a defining moment — not just for his Aston Villa career, but as a Nigerian-born talent making his mark on the European stage.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUHjimjimNq/?igsh=MXBoeDh4cGR6d2Y0ZA==

Source: https://www.sports247.ng/uefa-europa-league-meet-19-year-old-jimoh-aloba-aston-villas-nigerian-match-winner-in-salzburg/

Is he eligible to play for Nigeria or does he want to play for Nigeria? I have medicals with Chelsea tomorrow I'm going to be playing on EPL, watch out...

this man is 19years old nawa oo

Wrong title.
The match was played in Aston villa's stadium and not in Salzburg Austria.
We also had one Gabriel Agbolahor a British Nigerian (Benin, Edo) back then In the good old days

Great100000:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUHjimjimNq/?igsh=MXBoeDh4cGR6d2Y0ZA==

Source: https://www.sports247.ng/uefa-europa-league-meet-19-year-old-jimoh-aloba-aston-villas-nigerian-match-winner-in-salzburg/

Please also promote local players. Some of them are very good and need opportunity to show their talents
Let’s not always be importing players.

Biko I need to see his mummy's reaction. I remember how she lost it when he made his pro debut against Arsenal couple of weeks ago.

funmo:
Biko I need to see his mummy's reaction. I remember how she lost it when he made his pro debut against Arsenal couple of weeks ago.

Why always mothers in the affairs of their sons? Where are the fathers?

SpaceX:
Is he eligible to play for Nigeria or does he want to play for Nigeria? I have medicals with Chelsea tomorrow I'm going to be playing on EPL, watch out...

Yes, if he so wishes to play for us.

Good for him!


It's his turn to shine!


He should enjoy the limelight while it lasts.

How can this matured man be 19 years?

Weldone dude for making us proud.

Young boy chooses wisely

That’s Alll I will say

It is since they focus on importing foreign players, we missed out of two consecutive world Cup. What a shame!

Cmanforall:
Please also promote local players. Some of them are very good and need opportunity to show their talents
Let’s not always be importing players.

always247:
this man is 19years old nawa oo

Everyone isn't suffering like you.

Theres something called database, NHS number, post code, passport number. They are all linked.
Do not exhibit your itiboribo online

Great100000:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUHjimjimNq/?igsh=MXBoeDh4cGR6d2Y0ZA==

Source: https://www.sports247.ng/uefa-europa-league-meet-19-year-old-jimoh-aloba-aston-villas-nigerian-match-winner-in-salzburg/

Eric Chelle get him for the super eagles ASAP!!!

always247:
this man is 19years old nawa oo

Make una leave all this talk abeg

Orlandoo:
Why always mothers in the affairs of their sons? Where are the fathers?

E don tey man dey hear am.
Na so Chukwueze own be o.

jiggyman:
Everyone isn't suffering like you.

Theres something called database, NHS number, post code, passport number. They are all linked.
Do not exhibit your itiboribo online

that boy is bigger than me as 31year old so im happy i will last long.

COMRADES, it's like this boy is older than 19 years old

Is there a club in England from epl to championship that don't have a player of nigerian descent in their ranks

It shows how Nigerians plenty 4 UK

always247:
that boy is bigger than me as 31year old so im happy i will last long.

Lolzzzzz 🤣

If you see the kind foods he dey chop dey chop for nigeria, you go see your frame

But he may not be strong sha

19 bawo? Na wah! If he is 19 I'm the pope

19 Wetin...?...abi you want say 29 ...

SpaceX:
Is he eligible to play for Nigeria or does he want to play for Nigeria? I have medicals with Chelsea tomorrow I'm going to be playing on EPL, watch out...

Have you kicked football before?
Can you nod ball?
Who dassh you?

always247:
this man is 19years old nawa oo

Why the bitterness...
Of what importance is his age to you...
Na u get the body?

Why not just congratulate him and move on or ignore totally...
I'm sure if you were in a position of power or authority in Aston villa, u won't give this boy a chance simply because he looks like a man

benardtotti:
Eric Chelle get him for the super eagles ASAP!!!

Naso. Before Chukwueze shows him his hard cover ledger where all the NFF gbese is listed....

always247:
this man is 19years old nawa oo

Na every player una dey always suspect say he dey reduce him age? Haba naw..

Jimoh was born in the UK, so he cannot falsify his age. He is 19. He looks young actually...its only in this pic he looks a bit old.

JobAndVacancies:
Wrong title.
The match was played in Aston villa's stadium and not in Salzburg Austria.
We also had one Gabriel Agbolahor a British Nigerian (Benin, Edo) back then In the good old days

Waow,you remind me of villa days with agbonlahor, Ashley young ,James milner with Martin O'Neil as their coach, Aston villa was a formidable team those days.

I wonder why we have grown men saying that his age is falsified. Must you showcase your ignorance to the entire world via internet? He was probably born in the UK, is well documented and probably looks older than the average Nigerian 19 year old but how's that enough reason to cry wolf over something that never was your business in the first place.

He clearly grew up under better conditions abroad and his physique shouldn't be compared to that of the average Nigerian 19 year old with hardship-induced stunted growth. This is not 1900. Any age falsification can easily be detected. Make una dey think ahead

No be papa ojapa be this?

Ojapa dey 300 Level.

Na him papa be this.

Nice one. Congrats brother