Local football club Hanwell Town gained national attention earlier this week (8 July 2024) with the news that striker Josh Oyinsan, 29, was joining ITV’s Love Island series 11.
The Nigerian scored three goals for the Geordies as he helped them secure their status in step three of non-league after joining late in the season.
The 6 foot 5 Oyinsan has also worked as Paul Pogba’s body double, standing in for the banned Juventus star during TV advertisements.
The Hanwell Town striker enters the Villa alongside fellow footballer Reuben Collins a week after the Geordies began their preseason. If Oyinsan makes it to the end of the eight-week ITV show, he could be in the villa until late July.
Hanwell’s final preseason game fall on August 3, meaning their striker may get one chance to build his fitness before the Geordies’ Southern League Premier South season begins.
Manager Chris Moore is happy for the 29-year-old but hopes to have his striker back for the start of a crucial season for Hanwell.
Speaking after the announcement, Mr Moore said: “I was really surprised when Josh called to ask what I thought about him being part of such a massive show. I’m glad he called as I told him he should take the chance of going on Love Island, as you only get such an opportunity once and he’d regret it if he didn’t.”
Oyinsan joined Ealing based Hanwell in March on loan from Hemel Hempstead and became a key figure for the Geordies. Moore recognised the impact of the strikers TV appearance on his club.
He added: “Josh was a big part of the squad towards the end of last season and we’re hoping he’ll be the same again this season. He’s been popular with the supporters too, and they’re really looking forward to seeing how he does in the villa. I just hope he manages to keep his fitness while he’s away.”
Oyinsan shared his excitement for joining the show when speaking to ITV: “I’m looking for something different and I think Love Island can give me that.”
Hanwell Town play their first home preseason game on July 12 when they take on Brentford B at the Powerday Stadium.”
 with the news that striker Josh Oyinsan, 29, was joining ITV’s Love Island series 11.){kind=link}