Gabriel Otegbayo

Sheffield Wednesday defender Gabriel Otegbayo admitted he was taken by surprise when he was called up to make his Championship debut against Norwich City on Tuesday night. The 20-year-old centre-back, who has impressed manager Danny Röhl since preseason, was handed a starting role after an injury to Dominic Iorfa. Despite having been at the club for just eight months, Otegbayo rose to the occasion, helping to protect a 2-0 lead and secure a vital three points for the Owls.

“I wasn’t expecting it, but I was ready,” Otegbayo said after the match. “It was a great feeling, and I was buzzing to get onto the pitch. The gaffer and his staff believe in me, and I went on full of confidence knowing I’ve got great lads around me. As long as I did my job, we’d get the three points we were hoping for.” Reflecting on the fast-paced nature of the game, he added, “It was surreal. The game went so quickly, but I’ve been able to soak it in today and hopefully there’s more to come.” With the Steel City derby against Sheffield United on the horizon, Otegbayo is ready to step up again if called upon.