Chidera Ejuke: Forgotten Super Eagles dribbler scores rare goal to end over a year drought

The Nigerian came off the bench to claim the position of a super-sub after he made headlines with a rare goal for Royal Antwerp. 

Chidera Ejuke netted his first goal for a club in over 12 months as Royal Antwerp held their host St. Truiden to a 1-1 draw in the Jupiler.

The dynamic Super Eagles forward known for his ability to skillfully manoeuvre his markers showed there is more to his game as he turned out the hero for his club.

A 42nd-minute strike from Jarne Steucker fired the host in front as Antwerp searched for the equaliser. 

The manager, Mark van Bommel, rang changes just before the start of the second half, with Ejuke and Owen Wijnal coming on.

However, Bommel and Antwerp were made to wait until the 81st minute for the impact, with the Nigerian international scoring the decisive leveller. 

That goal signalled the end of Ejuke’s prolonged scoring hiatus for his club, with his last goal coming in Hertha Berlin in July last year.

Ejuke’s rare strike not only marked his first in over 12 months but his first of the season in eight matches for the Belgian club side.

Meanwhile, the winger was not the only Nigerian on the pitch for Antwerp in the intriguing encounter.  

Central midfielder Alhassan Yusuf was also in action for the Royals and featured for over an hour before he was subbed off. 

The talented midfielder completed 88% of his passes, had 54 touches, made 11 recoveries and won 100% of his tackles. He also completed three long balls out of five attempts.