Nigerian midfielder Ademide Akarakiri has made history by becoming the first-ever player to kick a ball in a match at Everton’s newly built Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. The 16-year-old, who joined Everton from Arsenal in the summer of 2024, started for the U18 team in a historic friendly against Wigan Athletic U18s on Monday night.
The match was part of a test event marking the club’s first-ever game at the state-of-the-art venue, and Akarakiri’s participation was a proud moment, especially with 10,000 fans in attendance. Though Everton lost 2-1, the young star’s involvement in the match was a defining moment. Wigan’s Harrison Rimmer scored the first-ever goal at the new stadium, while Everton’s Ray Robert grabbed a late consolation.
Akarakiri, known for his exceptional dribbling and passing skills, has been making waves in Everton’s U18 teams this season. Having spent a decade at Arsenal, he is already one of the club’s most promising young talents, with idols such as Amadou Onana, Paul Pogba, and Andres Iniesta.
The Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which boasts a capacity of 52,888 seats, marks a significant milestone for Everton. After years of planning, the club is one step closer to bidding farewell to Goodison Park, and Akarakiri’s name will forever be etched in its history as part of the new chapter.
