Anderlecht’s new Nigerian import reflects on JPL debut, set for top-of-the-table clash vs. Tolu’s Genk

Samuel Edozie has expressed his delight at making his debut for RSC Anderlecht, despite the team’s inability to secure a win against KVC Westerlo, Soccernet.ng reports.

Manchester City academy graduate Edozie joined Anderlecht on a season-long loan from Southampton this summer.

The young Anglo-Nigerian winger came off the bench after an hour of play in Saturday’s match, replacing Yari Verschaeren and bringing energy and a sense of threat to the game.

Despite the 2-2 draw, Edozie was happy with his performance and the electric atmosphere at Lotto Park.

Reflecting on his debut, the Southampton loanee shared his experience.

“I enjoyed my time on the field,” Edozie said in an interview on the club’s official channels.

He also highlighted the impact of the fans, stating, “The atmosphere was great. The fans kept singing, and that helped us get that second goal.”

First minutes in Mauve. #ANDWES pic.twitter.com/vKPlk3y2dO— RSC Anderlecht (@rscanderlecht) September 14, 2024

Interestingly, Edozie’s debut left a strong impression on KVC Westerlo’s Luka Vušković, who was eager to stop the winger from breaking free.

Vušković was shown a yellow card after pulling Edozie’s shirt as he attempted to run towards goal, in what some viewed as a desperate attempt to prevent a potential scoring opportunity.

| Luka Vušković kan niet wachten om van truitje te wisselen met Samuel Edozie. #ANDWES pic.twitter.com/aXrATaWGIj— DAZN België (@DAZN_BENL) September 14, 2024

Looking ahead, Edozie could be set for his first start for Anderlecht as they prepare to face KRC Genk in a crucial Jupiler Pro League clash on Tuesday night.

While Edozie, 21, could be key for Anderlecht, Genk will be counting on the Nigerian duo of Yira Sor and Tolu Arokodare. 

This top-of-the-table match has high stakes, with both teams aiming for the league lead.

Anderlecht are currently sitting on 12 points, while Genk have 13, and a victory for either side could see them claim the top spot.

Despite the usual regulations preventing players signed after a postponed match from participating, Edozie, along with fellow newcomer Leander Dendoncker, will be eligible to play.

This is due to an exception in the rules that lifts such restrictions if the match is rescheduled because of European preliminary rounds, as was the case here, as per VoetbalPrimeur. 

Anderlecht manager Brian Riemer will be keen to see how Edozie and Dendoncker contribute as they take on Genk in what promises to be an exciting battle at the top of the Jupiler Pro League.

The match kicks off at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, with the winner temporarily claiming the top spot until the weekend.