William Osula continued his rapid rise at Newcastle United with another influential display, scoring the opening goal in Saturday’s 3-1 Premier League victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 22-year-old striker, who has recently attracted attention from the Nigeria over a potential international switch, once again showed why many believe he could become a major attacking option for the Super Eagles.
Osula opened the scoring in the 12th minute after timing his run perfectly to meet Jacob Murphy’s lofted delivery with a composed header beyond the goalkeeper.
William Osula scoring Newcastle United’s opening goal in a 3-1 win over Brighton. PhotoCredit: Newcastle on X
It capped a bright opening from the Danish-born forward, who had already tested Brighton’s defence with a powerful strike moments earlier that flashed narrowly wide of the post.
The goal was another important moment in a season where Osula has gradually forced his way into Newcastle’s attacking plans despite spending much of the campaign as a rotational option.
By halftime, Osula had recorded four shots, two efforts on target, six touches inside the opposition penalty area, created one chance and completed both of his attempted passes. His aggressive movement and willingness to attack spaces consistently unsettled Brighton’s backline.
The strike also represented his fifth Premier League goal in 21 appearances this season, although 16 of those outings have come from the bench.
Newcastle doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Dan Burn powered home a header from Bruno Guimaraes’ corner to put Eddie Howe’s side firmly in control.
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Brighton enjoyed long spells of possession and threatened on several occasions, with Carlos Baleba striking the crossbar early in the contest, while Danny Welbeck and Kaoru Mitoma both went close as the visitors searched for a route back into the game.
Osula nearly added a second shortly after the restart when he unleashed a powerful effort from inside the box, only to be denied by the goalkeeper.
Brighton eventually reduced the deficit in the 61st minute through Jack Hinshelwood, who finished neatly after being picked out by Welbeck.
But Newcastle maintained control before sealing the victory deep into stoppage time when Harvey Barnes reacted quickest inside the area to fire home the third goal.
Osula was substituted in the 68th minute after another energetic outing that further strengthened his growing reputation at St James’ Park.
Away from club football, his international future continues to generate increasing discussion.
Born in Copenhagen to a Danish mother and a Nigerian-French father, Osula remains eligible to represent Nigeria despite featuring for Denmark at youth level and receiving a recent senior call up.
However, with no senior competitive appearance yet for Denmark, the pathway remains open for Nigeria to secure his allegiance.
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Reports have indicated that the Nigeria Football Federation has already initiated contact with the striker as the Super Eagles continue searching for long-term attacking solutions beyond current stars like Victor Osimhen.
