Watford forward Tobi Adeyemo was awestruck after opening the scoring for the Hornets on his senior league debut, in an impressive 2-0 victory over Blackpool at Vicarage Road.
After a goalless first half, the 17-year-old Academy striker took just four minutes to score the first for the club after being substituted into the action, sending the Vicarage Road faithful into raptures before Ismaïla Sarr secured all three points from the spot close to the death.
At full-time, Adeyemo couldn’t quite believe what he had just achieved, but was extremely thankful to the club and the staff for their unwavering support.
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“It was an indescribable feeling,” he began. “First and foremost, I want to thank God, I want to thank my family and I want to thank all the staff at Watford who have supported me throughout this journey because this is just unbelievable.
“I want to say that dreams do come true. I have dreamt about this moment, scoring on my home debut. The fans are incredible, it was an amazing feeling.”
Before stepping onto the pitch with the match deadlocked, Head Coach Slaven Bilić had some wise words for Adeyemo to inspire the youngster to make a difference.
When the chance did fall to the second-year scholar, he made no mistake and ran over to celebrate with a familiar face from the youth set-up, Jack Grieves, who would eventually make his own home debut on Graham Taylor Matchday.
Adeyemo continued: “Slaven [Bilić] told me that I was here for a reason, and that he wanted me to go out there and show what I can do. I just want to thank Slaven so much for giving me the opportunity - I’m just so grateful.
“The ball came out after the Blackpool goalkeeper parried it, and I said to myself ‘I’m going to get my foot on this, I’m going to score here’. When the ball went in the back of the net I couldn’t believe it. I literally put my hands on my head and I was in shock, honestly. I couldn’t believe it.
“I can’t describe [the celebration]. It’s terrific, absolutely terrific. Grieves, what a legend, I love that guy. Seeing him from the Academy and being on the pitch together at the same time is different class.”
Adeyemo is hoping to use this incredible moment as a platform to continue progressing in his bright career.
He added: “It’s been an incredible week, with the FA Youth Cup win [against Everton], and making my debut against Reading. I’m just so grateful really. Everything has happened so fast, I’m just trying to keep up.
“I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. I will not forget this moment. I just want to kick on now, and I’m hungry for more.”
