It was a weekend of mixed emotions and missed chances for two Nigerian forwards—Friday Etim and Geoffrey Chinedu—as both players found themselves at the heart of dramatic encounters in Portugal and Kazakhstan.

Friday Etim’s goal can’t save Mafra from the drop

Friday Etim gave Mafra fans a flicker of hope after netting a quick equaliser just minutes into their Liga Portugal 2 clash with Leixões, Footballrover reports.

But the 22-year-old’s spirited performance wasn’t enough to prevent a crushing 2-1 defeat—and with it, relegation.

The match at Parque Desportivo Municipal de Mafra started in explosive fashion. Leixões took the lead in the fifth minute through Brazilian forward Werton.

Barely two minutes later, Friday Etim responded, calmly slotting home his seventh goal of the season in what appeared to be a game-changing moment.

However, Mafra’s defensive frailties resurfaced before halftime. Werton turned provider for Jaiminho, whose strike just before the break sealed the visitors’ win.

Despite late substitutions, including Nigerian compatriot Stanley Iheanacho entering in the 90th minute, Mafra couldn’t turn things around.

With this result on matchday 32, Mafra are officially relegated from Liga Portugal 2—an outcome that overshadowed Etim’s personal milestone of 28 appearances and 7 goals this season.

Geoffrey Chinedu misses penalty as Astana settle for draw

Over in Kazakhstan, Geoffrey Chinedu had a golden opportunity to be the hero for FC Astana—but missed a first-half penalty that could have sealed victory against FC Kaysar.

The 28-year-old, who has now featured in eight matches with three goals and an assist, looked set to add to his tally. But his miss proved costly.

Fourteen minutes into the second half, Aybar Zhaksylykov converted from the spot for Kaysar, putting the home side in front.

Geoffrey Chinedu was substituted 13 minutes later, and Astana were left chasing the game.

Just when defeat seemed certain, Nazmi Gripshi rescued a point with a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser, preserving Astana’s unbeaten run—now standing at five wins and three draws.

Despite the setback, Astana remains in second place with 18 points, just two shy of leaders Kairat Almaty.

But it’s clear that Geoffrey Chinedu will need to sharpen his finishing if Astana are to mount a serious title challenge.

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Last Updated on May 6, 2025 3:53 pm by Sir Kris