The Finland-born striker scored twice in City’s 5-1 victory, helping Lauris Coggin’s side extend their winning start in the Under-18 Premier League North. Aiyegbusi opened the scoring just two minutes into the match before restoring Manchester City’s advantage in the 31st minute, after Kieran Clarke had equalised for Derby.
The 17-year-old had already found the net against Leeds earlier in the campaign, scoring City’s fifth goal in a 5-1 victory. His brace at Derby represented another step forward after Coggin had challenged him to turn his work in training into goals.
“Lauris [Coggin] has been telling me all month that I need to be scoring to get my chance and first start I scored two goals so I’m really happy about it,” Aiyegbusi said.
“You know, first half, it was difficult switching it, trying to get through the middle.
“But I got my first two goals, we started the game really well.
“Second-half, you know, couldn’t get my third, but happy with the two goals.”
Aiyegbusi was one of 12 young players to sign a full-time scholarship with City ahead of the 2026/27 season. The agreement moved him onto a full-time schedule with the academy, where he is working under Coggin with the Under-18s.
Born in Espoo, Finland, he is an England youth international and has been described by City as an athletic striker who looks to find the right positions inside the penalty area. He is part of a new group of scholars hoping to make an impact after the club’s Under-18s won both the league title and FA Youth Cup last season.
The victory over Derby was City’s eighth across all competitions, with Aiyegbusi pleased by the team's start and the standards being set by the group.
“I think it’s really top.
“Won all games, zero losses, zero draws.
“We’re doing really well.
“Should be at the top of the table, both groups [Under-18 Premier League North and Under-18 Premier League Cup]. So looking forward to it.”
City’s next challenge was expected to come against Southampton, and Aiyegbusi recognised that his side would need to adapt to a more physical opponent.
“We’re going to have to start passing around them [Southampton] because they’re bigger and stronger so it’ll be more difficult.”
The striker’s two goals against Derby have strengthened his case for further opportunities, with his first start providing an encouraging return on the work he has been doing in training.