Forgotten Super Eagles striker Josh Maja marked his return to the pitch with a sensational hat-trick, leading West Bromwich Albion to a thrilling 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the opening day of the 2024-25 Championship season.
Born in England, Maja played one match for the Nigeria national team in 2019 and has not been invited ever since by any coach to the Super Eagles squad.
Maja’s remarkable feat made him the first West Brom player in 91 years to score a hat-trick in the club’s opening league game of the season, a record last set by Alf Bentley in 1913. The 25-year-old Nigerian striker joined West Brom from Bordeaux last summer but endured a challenging first season, starting only one game before a serious injury sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.
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However, on just his second start since his return, Maja made an immediate impact, scoring three goals that turned the match in West Brom’s favor after Lucas Andersen had given QPR the lead. The Baggies found themselves trailing early, but they responded quickly, with Maja leveling the score in the 24th minute with a expertly headed goal from a pinpoint cross by new signing Torbjorn Heggem.
Early in the second half, Maja doubled his tally, muscling past defenders to head home a cross from Tom Fellows. Maja completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute with a stunning acrobatic volley, again assisted by Fellows, sealing the comeback victory.
His performance not only secured three points for the Baggies but also ended a five-year wait for a West Brom player to score a hat-trick. Maja, who made his debut and only appearance for Nigeria in 2019, received a standing ovation from the traveling fans as he was substituted for debutant Devante Cole in the 75th minute.
This heroic performance signals a promising season ahead for both Maja and West Brom. The striker’s determination and skill have made him an instant fan favorite, and his hat-trick will go down in history as one of the most memorable moments in West Brom’s history.
