Former Lincoln City defender TJ Eyoma has finally made his debut in the Belgian League.
Eyoma was something of a fan’s favourite, but didn’t appear after he first arrived at Sincil Bank in January 2020 on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Instead, he rejoined for a season-long spell that summer.
An athletic and composed defender comfortable at right back or in the middle, he became a mainstay in 2020–21, making 53 appearances in all competitions as the Imps reached the League One play-offs. His recovery pace, 1v1 defending and tidy use of the ball quickly made him a trusted option under Michael Appleton.
A permanent move followed in August 2021, with an unveiling on the pitch as we lost 1-0 at home to Bolton Wanderers. Over three further seasons he added 95 appearances and four goals, featuring across league, cups and EFL Trophy ties. Eyoma’s versatility proved invaluable through multiple systems and managers: he could lock down the flank, slide inside as a third centre half or appear in a flat back four.
Injuries hit his time at City, and he often found himself on the fringes looking in under Mark Kennedy. He did get more football under Michael Skubala, netting three times, including one in the 6-0 win against Cambridge United. He departed in the summer of 2024 after four seasons’ service (two loan, two permanent), and for a while, was a free agent.
He later joined Northampton Town, appearing against the Imps, before being released again. After a spell with the PFA team, he secured a surprise move to Belgium with Lommel. They’re a second division side in Belgium, alongside the likes of Lokeren and Lierse. They’re currently fourth with 17 points from nine matches.
TJ finally made his debut this weekend, wearing his alloted number three shirt as they won 3-2 away at Seraing (the club one-time Imps trialist Erwin Senakuku came from). It wasn’t exactly a debut to remember – he got 20 minutes at right back, replacing Erik Ring’s one-time Sweden Under 21 teammate Jesper Tolinsson. He was involved in 18 actions overall, with just five succesful.
Still, it’s a start for TJ, a thoroughly likeable character who, at 25, is now beyond ‘promising youngster’ stage. Hopefully, this is his first appearance of many.
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