Hattrick hero in West Brom’s 3-1 win over Queen Park Rangers in their English Championship season opener Josh Maja says he hopes it is the first of many good performances to come from him.
The Nigeria internationl scored a hattrick to help the Baggies earn a comeback victory over QPR on Saturday at Loftus Road. It is the first hattrick he has scored for the club since joining in the summer of the 2023/24 season.
The 25-year-old also made history with the goals by becoming the first West Brom player in 111 years to score a hat trick in their opening game of a league season since Alf Bently during the 1913/14 season.
Maja’s time at West Brom have been marred by injuries which saw him limited to just 12 games out of a possible 70 in all competitions last season. The Nigeria international is however excited to be available for the club this season.
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“I’m delighted with how today went and to help my team,” Maja told the club website after the game. “I’m really happy to have scored three goals and be available, especially because last season was a tough year for me.
“We’re starting fresh. I’m fit and available, which is a blessing. Hopefully, there are many more goals and wins to come. I was in the right place at the right time and I was clinical.”
Of the three goals scored, Maja says the second was his favourite. “I think the second header was my favourite. That type of finish isn’t something I’m known for doing, but I’ve managed to add it to my game.
“It’s really pleasing to be able to show the fans what I can do and it was a pleasure to be out there. I’ve got to give a lot of credit to the gaffer and to my teammates and to the staff who have helped me.
“I hope today is the start of something special. I thrive off goals and confidence. This will be a big boost for my confidence and I’ll take that into my next game.”
Maja was also awarded the Man of The Match award after his impressive 76-minute performance.
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