Name: Seiyefa Jackson
Age: 17
Nationality: Nigerian
Position: Striker, Supporting Striker
Current Club: Rivers United (Nigeria)
Preferred Foot: Right

At just 17 years of age, Seiyefa Jackson is quickly making a name for himself on the local football scene. Growing up in the vibrant city of Port Harcourt, known for its passion for the sport, Seiyefa started playing football on the streets with friends before joining the academy at Rivers United. His raw talent, combined with a relentless work ethic have since set him apart from his peers.

Seiyefa’s player profile

Playing Style

Seiyefa is a versatile forward who excels as a center-forward and a supporting striker and is closest in comparison to German legend Thomas Müller. His playing style is characterized by:

• Vision and Passing: Seiyefa has an innate ability to read the game and link up the play, especially in the final third. His range of passing, mostly short and sharp exchanges, is exceptional for a player of his age.
• Ball Control and Dribbling: Comfortable with the ball at his feet, Seiyefa has quick footwork and close control that allows him to navigate through tight spaces and evade challenges.
• Defensive Awareness: Despite his young age, Seiyefa is tactically astute, often positioning himself well to intercept passes and break up opposition play when needed. He’s also known for his high work rate and willingness to track back and support his team defensively.
• Leadership: Seiyefa’s maturity on the pitch has earned him the captain’s armband on occasion with the Rivers United U-17 squad, where he leads by example, motivating his teammates and maintaining composure under pressure.

Seiyefa’s highlights

Achievements

• Youth Tournament MVP: The talented youngster put in an impressive performance in the 2023 NPFL U-17 Youth League, with Rivers United defeating Katsina United 4-2 in a pulsating final. Seiyefa emerged as the top scorer in the tournament with four goals. This achievement earned him a promotion to the senior team alongside six other members of the title-winning U-17 side. He donned the number 38 jersey, marking a significant milestone in his career.
• First Team Call-Up: Seiyefa Jackson made his senior team debut for Rivers United FC on May 26, 2024, in a Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 33 clash against Sporting Lagos FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.
• Debut Goal and Impressive Performance: Seiyefa Jackson went on to score his debut goal in the 86th minute of the same match, securing a 4-1 win for Rivers United. This impressive performance demonstrated his potential and capabilities on the field.

Strengths

• Exceptional vision and passing accuracy
• Strong leadership qualities
• Tactical awareness and defensive contributions
• High stamina and work rate

Areas for Improvement

• Physical conditioning to compete at higher levels
• Consistency in Finishing

Future Potential

Seiyefa Jackson has been earmarked as one of the NPFL’s most promising young talents. With continued development, particularly in physical conditioning and finishing consistency, he has the potential to make a significant impact at the professional level in Europe. Scouts from top academies in Europe have also started to take notice.

The teenage prodigy dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol, Victor Osimhen, and hopes to represent Nigeria at the senior level while playing for a top European club. The sky is the limit for this precocious young talent.

By: Edward Okaro / @KingArinze

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / https://npfl.com.ng/tag/seiyefa-jackson/