Tai Sodje Explained

Taione Richard Evumena "Tai" Sodje (born 20 September 2003) is an English professional footballer currently playing as a forward for Manchester City.

Club career

Born in Sheffield to an English mother and Nigerian father,^[1] Sodje began his footballing career with local side Sheffield United, before a switch to Premier League side Manchester City in 2015.^[2] He signed a professional contract with Manchester City in July 2021.^[3] Despite suffering an injury in late October 2021, which he described as the worst moment of his career,^[1] he returned to action for Manchester City's youth teams in April 2022.^[4]

International career

Eligible to represent both England and Nigeria, Sodje reportedly turned down an invitation to the England under-19 squad in October 2021.^[5] He was quoted in May 2022 as saying he would choose to represent whichever nation approached him first.^{[1] [6]}

Style of play

Described by Manchester City as a "prolific goal-scorer" and a "versatile striker [who] can also operate to impressive effect on both the right or left flanks", Sodje describes himself as a "goal scorer", capable of playing "across the front three".^[7]

Personal life

Sodje is the son of former professional rugby league player Bright Sodje, and the nephew of former Nigerian international footballers Efe and Sam Sodje, as well as former professional footballer Akpo Sodje.^{[2] [8]}

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			FA Cup		EFL Cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Manchester City U21	2021–22	—			—		—		2	0	2	0
	2022–23	—			—		—		0	0	0	0
Career total			0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	2	0

Notes

Notes and References

1. Web site: I want to play for Man City's first team soon – Sodje. Tana. Aiyejina. 20 May 2022. 17 February 2023. punchng.com.
2. Web site: 'I think I've opened up to different ways of playing': Man City academy striker Tai Sodje is firing his way to goals target. Simon. Bajkowski. 23 March 2021. 18 February 2023. manchestereveningnews.co.uk.
3. Web site: Academy contracts update. John. Edwards. 15 July 2021. 18 February 2023. mancity.com.
4. Web site: Manchester City's teenage Nigerian striker faces months on the sidelines after. Ifeanyi. Emmanuel. 26 October 2021. 18 February 2023. allnigeriasoccer.com.
5. Web site: Man City teen wonder Tai Sodje turns down England call up again, keen on Super Eagles. 2 October 2021. 18 February 2023. owngoalnigeria.com.
6. Web site: I will play for Nigeria if they ask me before England – Tai Sodje. Kolawole. Kazeem. 20 May 2022. 18 February 2023. ojbsport.com.
7. Web site: Academy one to watch: Tai Sodje. Neil. Leigh. 11 October 2020. 18 February 2023. mancity.com.
8. Web site: TAI SODJE Can He Continue the Family Dynasty with Eagles?. 10 October 2020. 18 February 2023. thisdaylive.com.