Nigerian-born Deji Elerewe crowned League One Apprentice of the Year

Nigerian-born defender Deji Elerewe has been crowned as the League One Apprentice of the Year.

The 18-year-old Elewere was crowned winner of the award at the 2022 English Football League (EFL) awards held in London on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

Elerewe was born in England to Nigerian parents and plays as a centre-back for the League One club Charlton Athletic.

When announced as the winner, Elewere showed appreciation for his team's youth development system.

He said, “It feels great, honestly. I was nervous in the crowd but now I’ve got the award, it feels amazing. It’s been a surreal season – I’ve played U18s but jumping to the first team is very different.

"I want to thank the gaffer, Johnnie Jackson, and also the old gaffer, Nigel Adkins – they have given me opportunities to play. 

“I’ve enjoyed the off the pitch work, that is testament to the club’s Head of Education, Joe Francis. He’s helped me to get me to do A Level Maths and doing very well on the BTEC course as well.

"The A Level work was stressful to begin with but after a while you get used to it and I’ve found it good, because doing A Levels adds to your repertoire.

“We do player care. It’s really helpful for us because it helps us to understand how to take care of yourself and your well-being as well.”

It is an amazing accomplishment for Elewere as he follows the footsteps of fellow Charlton academy graduate and Super Eagles wideman Ademola Lookman.

Lookman like Elewere was born to Nigerian parents and is eligible to represent the Super Eagles in the future.