Armstrong Okoflex going from strength to strength since swapping Celtic for West Ham

By David Walton

November 2, 2021

Former Celtic academy talent Armstrong Okoflex is continuing to skyrocket since making his move to West Ham United in the summer.

Okoflex was one of the top young prospects in the Lennoxtown academy system last term. He even featured in the first-team back in January 2021 when the Hoops were rocked with Covid issues. However, his contract came to an end during the summer with the player deciding to head to London.

Since then, it’s been nothing but success for the attacker as his stock continues to grow.

Yesterday, the Dublin-born forward struck in a 2-1 defeat against Leicester. The strike made it his 10th goal in only 12 games for the under-23s [Hammers News]. Even at this early stage, it’s scary to think what his final total could end up being.

Okoflex is clearly highly-rated in England too. First-team manager David Moyes decided to take him on his pre-season tour of Scotland. Celtic fans may remember that well given he was one of the goalscorers in the 6-2 mauling we suffered at the hands of the Hammers at Parkhead.

Granted, he’s yet to actually be called up to the senior squad for an EPL game this season. But he’s by far one of the burgeoning young talents the East London club have in their academy.

Celtic right to ponder “What If?” with Armstrong Okoflex

It’s unclear as to why the forward never stayed at Lennoxtown. It looked as though he was on the fringes of the first-team. This could’ve been his big breakthrough season under Ange Postecoglou. Instead, he decided to head south.

It’s difficult to say whether he made the right decision or not. Whilst his form has been electric for the youth squad, he’s still yet to taste first-team football. Not until that happens can we confirm whether this was 100% the right move.

He’s certainly upped his intensity levels a gear since signing for West Ham of course. In recent years the Celtic youngsters have been struggling for regular game-time due to coming out of the Reserve League.

It would’ve been ideal had Celtic managed to keep hold of the player and send him out on loan. We never got the chance to see the 19-year-old develop with a senior club. It could easily have been the making of him.

Popular West Ham United fansite Hammers News have stated that the club has a “superstar” on its hands. It’s clear there’s genuine excitement over what Okoflex will bring to the table.

Watch this space over the next few months.

In other news, Former Celtic midfielder Mark Fotheringham eyeing Scotland return