In Bundesliga on Saturday, Super Eagles hopeful Oladapo Afolayan played a vital role in St. Pauli’s 2-0 victory over Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena.
The match captured the attention of Nigerian fans, particularly as it featured two players of Nigerian descent, Footballrover reports.
Afolayan’s performance secured a vital win for his team as he continues to air his aspirations to don the green and white of Nigeria on the international stage.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Afolayan initially expressed his ambition to represent Nigeria, and he furthered that cause by scoring his second goal of the season in just nine appearances.
The first significant opportunity for St. Pauli arose in the 20th minute when midfielder Jackson Irvine delivered a precise cross to Afolayan.
Despite the low probability of success, Afolayan executed a first-time volley that found the back of the net, stunning the home crowd and giving St. Pauli a surprising lead.
Throughout the match, Afolayan continued to challenge the Hoffenheim defense. He came close to doubling his tally shortly after scoring but had a header blocked.
His efforts extended beyond scoring, as he also assisted Morgan Guilavogui early in the second half, but the opposition goalkeeper parried his effort away.
Oladapo Afolayan: rising star among Super Eagles hopefuls
Afolayan’s time on the pitch came to an end after 80 minutes of action, during which he registered a goal, 42 touches, and 17 completed passes with an impressive accuracy rate of 17.
Despite facing challenges, including losing possession 14 times, his defensive contributions and overall presence were crucial in unsettling Hoffenheim’s backline.
This victory marks a significant moment for St. Pauli, moving them to 15th place in the league standings, highlighting Afolayan’s impactful role in their campaign.
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