EFL: Maja’s goal spree poses AFCON dilemma for Eguavoen as Dele-Bashiru nets winner

• Tom Dele-Bashiru scored an 84th-minute penalty to secure a 2-1 win for Watford
• West Brom remains second in the Championship with 16 points from seven games
• Championship side West Brom remains second in the league with 16 points from seven games

Super Eagles Josh Maja continued to make a compelling case for his inclusion in Nigeria’s AFCON squad with his seventh goal of the season, but it wasn't enough to salvage a result for West Brom. In a dramatic Championship game, Sheffield Wednesday edged out West Brom 3-2 on an afternoon where Maja found the back of the net once again, adding to his prolific season.

Sheffield Wednesday capitalised early, racing into a 2-0 lead within 25 minutes. Darnell Furlong’s unfortunate own goal was swiftly followed by a strike from Josh Windass, putting the visitors on the back foot. 

Despite the deficit, Maja pulled one back with a composed finish in the 65th minute, bringing life to his side’s hopes. His efforts were rewarded again when Alex Mowatt levelled in the 84th minute. Yet, Sheffield Wednesday had the final say just two minutes later, reclaiming the lead and sealing the victory in the dying stages.

Maja’s brilliance stood out despite the loss. His latest goal brings his tally to seven goals and one assist in just seven Championship appearances, showing his importance to West Brom’s campaign and also fast becoming a clear favourite to be the Championship's highest goal scorer.

Fellow Nigerian, Semi Ajayi, also featured in the match, entering as a late substitute for West Brom. The defeat saw West Brom drop points, but they remain second in the Championship table with 16 points from seven matches, trailing league leaders Sunderland only by goal difference.

Maja’s performance saw him play the entire 90 minutes, contributing with 16 touches and a 64% pass accuracy (7 out of 11 passes completed). He produced one big opportunity for his teammates, although his duels weren’t as successful, losing both aerial and ground contests.

Elsewhere, Tom Dele-Bashiru delivered a match-winning performance for Watford as they secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sunderland at Vicarage Road. Dele-Bashiru coolly slotted home an 84th-minute penalty to ensure Watford’s unbeaten home run stretched to ten matches under Tom Cleverley’s management.

Dele-Bashiru’s impact extended beyond his penalty, with the former Nigeria U20 international completing 31 of 33 passes (94% accuracy) and winning several key duels throughout the match. His vital contribution lifted Watford to seventh place, just three points behind West Bromwich Albion.

Maja’s form will surely give Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen a selection headache as the striker’s consistency may force his way into Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers matches in October. 

Eguavoen retains Super Eagles interim role as AFCON qualifiers loom

Previously, TheRadar reported that The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Augustine Eguavoen will continue as interim head coach of the Super Eagles. His appointment was finalised after a recommendation from the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub-Committee, extending his leadership over Nigeria’s quest for a spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The NFF disclosed this through an official statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, emphasising that Eguavoen’s guidance would be crucial in the upcoming qualifiers.