Orji Okwonkwo is starting to justify his spot in Cittadella’s starting lineup—and on Saturday, he delivered a clutch moment to prove it.
The Nigerian forward scored a late equaliser in a tense Serie B showdown against Frosinone, helping his side escape with a valuable 1-1 draw at the Stadio Benito Stirpe, Footballrover reports.
The pressure was on, and the clock was ticking when Orji Okwonkwo stepped up in the 73rd minute to cancel out Giuseppe Ambrosino’s first-half opener.
It was his third goal in 14 appearances this season—a goal that not only kept Cittadella’s faint survival hopes alive but also added weight to his growing importance in the squad.
Orji Okwonkwo keeps Cittadella fighting
Before Okwonkwo’s intervention, Cittadella were staring down yet another defeat, with Ambrosino having fired the hosts in front after 37 minutes.
But the 27-year-old forward showed experience and composure under pressure, rising to the occasion in a game that could have easily slipped away.
Despite his late brilliance, Cittadella’s relegation fears are still looming large. The team remains in 19th place with 36 points from 36 matches, and the battle for survival is far from over.
Still, Orji Okwonkwo’s impact is becoming harder to ignore.
Chinonso Offor’s late strike ends in heartbreak
Meanwhile, in Bulgaria, another Nigerian striker was making headlines.
Chinonso Offor thought he had sealed all three points for Arda Kardzhali when he slotted home from the penalty spot in the 78th minute against Cherno More Varna.
Offor’s goal broke the deadlock in a tight contest at the Ticha Stadium, where both teams had gone into halftime goalless.
But just when Arda Kardzhali looked set for victory, M. Soula struck deep into stoppage time to deny them the win.
The 24-year-old Chinonso Offor, known for his tireless energy and physicality, added to his growing reputation with another important contribution.
However, the 1-1 draw left Arda Kardzhali in third place with 55 points—just one ahead of their hosts and far adrift of leaders Ludogorets.
Both Orji Okwonkwo and Chinonso Offor were the difference-makers for their respective clubs this weekend.
While their late goals couldn’t secure all three points, they showed grit, timing, purpose and fighting spirits.
Be the first to comment on "Orji Okwonkwo strikes late to keep Cittadella alive; Chinonso Offor scores in Arda Kardzhali’s late drama"