In a thrilling encounter on Friday night, Super Eagles winger Chidera Ejuke delivered an outstanding performance to help Sevilla claim their first trophy of the season. The Nigerian star played a key role as Sevilla defeated Karim Benzema’s Al-Ittihad to win the 13th edition of the Trofeo Antonio Puerta, reports
The match, held at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, was decided by Lucas Ocampos’ first-half penalty, which gave Sevilla a 1-0 victory. Benzema, who had a chance to put Al-Ittihad ahead earlier in the game, missed a penalty kick, firing wide.
Ejuke’s impressive display earned him the Man of the Match award. His dribbling skills and energetic performance thrilled the fans, who gave him a round of applause when he was substituted in the second half. He nearly scored for Sevilla with a curled shot, but the goalkeeper managed an easy save after a deflection.
Ejuke, who joined Sevilla this month as a free agent after leaving CSKA Moscow, has quickly become a favorite among the fans. Despite his recent arrival, Sevilla’s new coach Xavi García Pimienta sees even more potential in the Nigerian winger.
“Ejuke has a profile that we need on the wing,” Pimienta stated on the club’s official website. “He must continue to improve. He is a great player and he must be a differential player because he has the level for it.”
Ejuke and his teammates will continue their pre-season preparations with a match against Japanese club Consadole Sapporo at the Sapporo Dome on July 30th.
