Nigeria International, Josh Maja made a triumphant return to the pitch, netting a sensational hat-trick to lead West Bromwich Albion to a 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the opening day of the 2024-25 Championship season.
Maja’s hat-trick was historic, making him the first West Brom player in 91 years to achieve this feat in the club’s opening league match of the season, a record last set by Alf Bentley in 1913.
The 25-year-old forward, who joined West Brom from Bordeaux last summer, faced a tough first season with limited playtime and a serious injury that sidelined him. But on his second start since his return, Maja made an immediate impact, turning the match around after Lucas Andersen put QPR in the lead.
West Brom quickly responded, with Maja equalizing in the 24th minute by heading in a precise cross from new signing Torbjorn Heggem. Early in the second half, he added a second, overpowering defenders to score another header from a Tom Fellows cross. Maja completed his hat-trick in the 65th minute with a spectacular acrobatic volley, again assisted by Fellows, securing a comeback victory.
This remarkable performance not only earned three points for the Baggies but also marked the first hat-trick by a West Brom player in five years. Maja, who made his debut for Nigeria in 2019, was given a standing ovation by the traveling fans when he was substituted for debutant Devante Cole in the 75th minute.
Maja’s impressive showing signals a promising season ahead for both him and West Brom.
