Nigerian football came alive on Thursday evening with fresh stars making names and headlines for themselves in Europe as Elijah Odebe, Stephen Alfred, and Friday Etim delivered match-winning goals for their respective teams.
Each player’s effort helped their clubs grab vital victories in UEFA competitions and pre-season action, Footballrover reports.
Elijah Odebe Strikes Late for FC Sheriff
Odebe showed his impact for FC Sheriff of Moldova in the UEFA Europa League Qualification Round 1 clash against FC Prishtina of Kosovo.
The 18-year-old forward came on as a substitute and made sure the Moldovan side wrapped up a massive 4-0 home win.
Subbed in at the 67th minute to replace Mamady Diarra, Elijah Odebe joined the game with his team already two goals up, thanks to Cyrille Bayala’s brace.
Bayala completed his hat-trick in the 74th minute before Odebe sealed the deal with the fourth goal just five minutes later at the Bolshaya Sportivnaya Arena.
Stephen Alfred & Friday Etim Keep the Goals Flowing
In Belarus, Alfred stepped up for Torpedo Zhodino in their UEFA Conference League Qualification Round 1 tie against Rabotnick of North Macedonia.
Just like Odebe, Alfred came off the bench and found the net to wrap up another clean victory.
Alfred replaced Maksim Skavysh in the 57th minute, with Torpedo Zhodino already 1-0 up through Pavel Sedko’s early strike.
Seven minutes later, Vadim Pobudej made it 2-0 before the 27-year-old Nigerian forward finished the job in added time with a goal in the 93rd minute.
His strike gave Torpedo Zhodino a solid 3-0 cushion heading into the second leg.
Meanwhile, Etim made his mark in a club friendly between FC Midtjylland and Dynamo Kiev.
The 23-year-old Nigerian forward proved his worth to Midtjylland fans after joining from Mafra by scoring the final goal in a 3-1 comeback win at the Thermen Stadion.
Dynamo Kiev took the lead through Oleksandr Pikhalyonok after 21 minutes, but Franculino equalised 12 minutes later.
After the break, Mikel Gogorza put FC Midtjylland ahead before Etim sealed the impressive away win with his goal.
Odebe and Alfred will now aim to carry this sharp form into the second legs of their European ties, while Etim will look to build more trust and momentum when FC Midtjylland returns to action.
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