Daniel Efobi signed his first professional contract with Cambridge United and made his senior debut on the same night the club beat Gillingham 4-1. The 17-year-old striker's landmark day came during the EFL Trophy victory on Tuesday.
Head coach Neil Harris confirmed the new deal and the player's introduction from the bench. "Dan, who I’m a big fan of, signed a pro contract today with the club, and then he made his debut tonight," Harris said. The manager has been impressed with the forward's rapid progress over the past year.
Efobi's promotion follows a prolific season for the Under-18s, where he scored 41 goals across all competitions. His potential had been recognised last month by director of football Mark Bonner, who revealed the club had offered terms. Harris praised Efobi as a natural finisher with strong leadership qualities and mental strength.
The debut came in a convincing win that extends Cambridge United's unbeaten run to five matches. The result against Gillingham, featuring goals from Zak Bradshaw, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Louis Appere and Isaac Heath, follows a 1-1 draw at Oxford United. Neil Harris's side now sit fifth in League One with 12 points from seven games.
Efobi was one of four 17-year-olds to feature against Gillingham, alongside Dan Herd, Jamie Murefu and Lohan McDougald. This highlights the club's commitment to integrating youth, a strategy fans can track through the club's squad page. The focus now shifts to maintaining form in the league.
Cambridge United host AFC Wimbledon this Saturday, looking to build on their positive start. The club's strong early-season standings position provides a solid platform for the campaign.
More detail at Cambridge Independent
Goalkeeper Gabe Breeze made his full debut in the 4-1 EFL Trophy win at Gillingham on September 22. The 22-year-old, who left Carlisle United last month, was one of six changes to the side. Manager Neil Harris said it was a "positive evening for Gabe" and that the game helped him build chemistry with his defence. The victory extends Cambridge United's unbeaten run to five matches. They host AFC Wimbledon on September 26.
The club confirmed the 4-1 win over Gillingham on September 22, which extends Cambridge's unbeaten run to five matches. Gillingham manager Gareth Ainsworth made nine changes to his starting line-up for the EFL Trophy tie. Cambridge's goals came from Zak Bradshaw, Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, Louis Appere and Isaac Heath, with Louie Dayal scoring for the hosts. The side, fifth in League One, host AFC Wimbledon on September 26.
Dan Efobi said he was "delighted" after signing his first professional contract with Cambridge United. The 17-year-old striker, who made his senior debut in the 4-1 win over Gillingham, thanked the club for their support. Head of Academy Dom Knighton praised Efobi's attitude and development since joining as an Under-15. The side, fifth in League One, host AFC Wimbledon on September 26.
