Ahmed Abdullahi started his first Sunderland match for the Under-21s after facing a considerable spell on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old was a deadline day arrival at the Stadium of Light in 2024, but has struggled with a persistent groin issue throughout the entirety of his spell at the club.
Wilson Isidor, who broke Darren Bent’s record earlier this season, also arrived on the same day, and while the Frenchman has flourished in the Premier League, Abdullahi is facing a long road back to the first team.
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However, he has started the 2025/26 campaign on the right track and appears ready to put his long-term injury woes behind him on Wearside.
Ahmed Abdullahi of Sunderland looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Sunderland and Sevilla at Estadio Algarve.
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Ahmed Abdullahi proves his worth with a brace for Sunderland
Abdullahi scored either side of the half-time interval to help Sunderland Under-21s secure a 2-1 win against Colchester United in the Premier League cup on Friday evening.
The Black Cats went down to ten men after Ben Kindon received his marching orders in the 51st minute; however, Kai Martin’s 81st-minute penalty was not enough to stop the hosts moving to the top of Group H.
Eliezer Mayenda has impressed for Spain Under-21s during the international break, and Abdullahi faces stiff competition to force himself into the senior squad.
While Sunderland’s summer signings have enjoyed success in the Premier League so far, Abdullahi has become somewhat of a forgotten man at the Stadium of Light.
✌️ Abdullahi at the double!
The Lads extend their lead at Eppleton 👏
— SAFC Academy (@AcademyOfLight) October 17, 2025
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He scored 21 goals in 28 outings in the reserves at KAA Gent prior to his move to the Black Cats, and Regis Le Bris named the forward in his matchday squad for the Carabao Cup loss against Huddersfield Town, but he remained on the bench.
Nevertheless, Under-21s assistant coach Matt Craddock reserved praise for Abdullahi in what could be a real turning point for the young prospect.
“I’m really pleased with the character and togetherness the lads showed. Ahmed Abdullahi was excellent, leading the line and scoring both goals on his return from injury. He’s worked hard to get himself fit and took his chances really well.”
Regis Le Bris on Ahmed Abdullahi’s future at Sunderland
Sunderland knew the risks when they signed Abdullahi, and despite the forward line being in safe hands with Isidor, the Nigerian still has a bright future at the club.
Le Bris addressed concerns about the forward and expressed his belief that Abdullahi will soon showcase his best form.
“Sometimes Ahmed trains with us, sometimes with the U21s,” Le Bris said to the Sunderland Echo.
Regis Le Bris, Manager of Sunderland, inspects the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Sunderland at City Ground.
Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images
“Ahmed is in this situation. He struggled a bit after his surgery to recover properly. He had ups and downs. Now it seems a bit better, so I hope he will have this consistency in next weeks. I think so (still has a long-term future here).
“He’s really young, he’s talented. He was unlucky to suffer from this injury and didn’t find the right rhythm. I hope it would be the case in the next month and we’ll see the best version of Ahmed.”