Bramley-Moore Dock, Feb. 19 (AGCNewsNet) – Everton U18 midfielder Ademide Akarakiri became the first footballer to kick a ball at the club’s new stadium during a friendly match against Wigan Athletic U18s on Monday night.

Akarakiri, who joined Everton from Arsenal in 2024 on a two-year scholarship, was in the starting lineup for the inaugural test event, which was played before 10,000 fans. Two other Nigerian players, goalkeeper Gospel Eze and Malik Olayiwola, were also part of the squad.

Despite Everton’s 2-1 loss, the event marked a historic moment for the young Toffees, who received a warm reception from the crowd. Akarakiri, a former Hale End Academy player, has been a key figure in Everton’s U18 Premier League, FA Youth Cup, and U18 Premier League Cup campaigns.

The 16-year-old midfielder, known for his dribbling and passing ability, has cited Amadou Onana, Paul Pogba, and Andrés Iniesta as his footballing inspirations.

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