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Taiwo Awoniyi scores on full Coventry City debut

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Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi made an instant impact on his first start for , scoring in their 4-2 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the second round of the English League (EFL) Cup on Tuesday.

Instant impact for Taiwo Awoniyi in debut start

needed only three minutes to open his scoring account for Coventry City at Home Park, clinically finishing a precise pass from teammate Caleb Yirenkyi to hand Frank Lampard’s squad an early lead. The visitors continued their momentum shortly after, as Jack Rudoni doubled the advantage just two minutes later, capping off a blistering opening period that left the hosts struggling to keep pace.

Plymouth Argyle managed to find a foothold in the contest when Oliver Irow pulled a goal back in the 21st minute, narrowing the deficit before the half-time interval. The home side maintained that renewed sense of urgency after the break, eventually drawing level when Xavier Amaechi found the back of the net early in the second half to set up a tense finish.

Despite the setback, Coventry City regained control and composure as the match progressed, with Ephron Mason-Clark restoring the lead in the 67th minute. The victory was effectively sealed when Victor Torp added a fourth goal in the 78th minute, securing a decisive 4-2 win and successfully advancing Coventry into the next round of the EFL Cup competition.

The goal was Awoniyi’s first for Coventry since joining the club from during the summer window. His first appearance for the Sky Blues came as a substitute in their 3-0 Premier League defeat to in their opening league fixture.

Given a starting opportunity against Plymouth, the 28-year-old striker responded with a goal inside three minutes and showed early signs of the qualities Coventry hope he can bring to their attack.

Taiwo Awoniyi scores on full Coventry City debut
Taiwo Awoniyi Scores On Full Coventry City Debut

Awoniyi joined Coventry as part of the club’s preparations for their return to the Premier League after 25 years away from the top flight. The Sky Blues secured promotion after winning the last season and have strengthened their squad ahead of their first Premier League campaign since 2001.

The Nigerian spent four seasons with Nottingham Forest after joining the club in 2022. During his time at Forest, he made 103 appearances across all competitions and scored 23 goals.

Before moving to Forest, Awoniyi played in Germany for Union Berlin, where he established himself as a regular goalscorer. He also had an earlier spell in with Liverpool before making his breakthrough in European football.

His move to Coventry City offers the striker a vital opportunity to regain consistency and confidence following an injury-affected period at Nottingham Forest. With Haji Wright currently sidelined through injury, Taiwo Awoniyi is positioned to play an influential role in manager Frank Lampard’s evolving attacking plans as the club navigates a demanding season.

This standout performance serves as a significant boost for , as Taiwo Awoniyi remains a key attacking option for the . Consistent minutes and improved fitness levels at Coventry City could effectively strengthen his prospects of earning a regular return to the national team setup under future selection cycles.

For Frank Lampard, the debut performance provides an early and encouraging indication of the striker’s potential impact. His clinical opening goal, combined with the team’s resilient attacking response after Plymouth Argyle twice drew level, proved crucial in helping the Premier League newcomers secure their passage into the next round of the EFL Cup.

After opening his account during his first start for the Sky Blues, Taiwo Awoniyi will now focus on maintaining this momentum in training and competition. Establishing himself as a reliable goalscoring threat will be paramount if he is to cement a starting position as a key part of Coventry City’s ambitious Premier League campaign.

The post Taiwo Awoniyi scores on full Coventry City debut appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

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International Football

Mourinho laughs at Manchester City guilty verdict

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Jose Mourinho has said he does not believe that a final verdict and punishment against Manchester City will be handed in his lifetime.

José Mourinho managed Manchester United during part of the period that Manchester City were deemed to have committed financial crimes.

In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, the current Real Madrid coach is skeptical that City’s verdict and punishment will be handed down during his lifetime.

“Manchester City? I can laugh about it,” he said

“I suspect there will be a verdict. But I’m in my sixties now, so I’ll have to be lucky to still be around when that verdict comes. First, there’ll be a verdict, then an appeal… By then I’ll be eighty.”

Mourinho himself has learned to be at the center of scandals and how to handle them.

“It’s the bad luck associated with the time I joined certain clubs. Here, at Real, I experienced the Negreira affair. Later there was a big scandal in Turkey. I’ve been in these types of situations,” he said.

The post Mourinho laughs at Manchester City guilty verdict first appeared on Score Nigeria.

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Demehin Claims First Benfica Trophy With Portuguese Super Cup Triumph

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Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin has won her first trophy with just weeks after joining the Portuguese champions from Turkish side Galatasaray.

Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin celebrates first trophy with Benfica

Demehin was part of the Benfica squad that defeated 5-1 to win the Portuguese Women’s Super Cup on Sunday, September 6, giving the Nigerian defender an immediate taste of silverware at her new club.

The victory handed Benfica their fourth Portuguese Women’s Super Cup title as they began the 2026/27 season with a dominant win over their rivals in Viseu.

Benfica took control of the final with goals from Frøya Dorsin, Nycole Raysla, Marit Lund, Caroline Møller and Anna Csiki.

For Demehin, the trophy marks a memorable start to life in Portugal.

The 24-year-old centre-back joined Benfica in August on a three-year contract, keeping her at the Lisbon-based club until 2029. Her move came after two seasons with , where she continued her development in European .

Demehin’s journey has taken her across three countries since leaving .

The former Rivers Angels defender moved to France in 2022 to join Stade de Reims before signing for Galatasaray in 2024. After two seasons in Turkey, she secured another major move, joining one of Portugal’s most successful women’s football clubs.

She did not have to wait long for her first piece of silverware.

Although still settling into her new environment, Demehin was included in Benfica’s squad for the Super Cup final as the Portuguese champions began their season with a statement victory.

The Nigerian international will now be hoping to establish herself as a key player in Benfica’s defence as the new campaign unfolds.

Demehin arrives at Benfica with valuable experience from domestic and international football, having represented Nigeria at senior level and for the in major competitions.

 

Her move to Portugal also represents another significant step for Nigerian women footballers continuing to make their mark across Europe.

For Demehin, however, the Benfica journey has started with the best possible introduction.

A move from Galatasaray in August. A first trophy in September and a 5-1 victory over FC Porto to celebrate it.

Tosin Demehin’s Benfica chapter is only beginning, but the Super Falcons defender already has silverware to show for it.

 

The post Demehin Claims First Benfica Trophy With Portuguese Super Cup Triumph appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

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Kelechi Iheanacho strikes late as Bursaspor edge Manisa

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Kelechi Iheanacho delivered another decisive moment for , scoring a late winner to secure a 2-1 victory over in the Turkish second tier on Sunday.

Late winner sees Kelechi Iheanacho continue fine form in Turkey

The Nigerian forward struck in stoppage time as Bursaspor completed their comeback away from home, continuing his impressive goalscoring form since joining the Turkish club.

Manisa had taken the lead after capitalising on an error from Bursaspor goalkeeper Kerem Matışlı, but Iheanacho helped the visitors fight back.

The Nigerian found the net to bring Bursaspor level before returning with the decisive contribution deep into added time to seal all three points for his side.

The latest performance adds to what has been a remarkable start to life in Turkey for Iheanacho.

Before the trip to Manisa, the former Super Eagles forward had scored six goals and provided two assists in his first five league appearances for Bursaspor. He had also scored twice in Bursaspor’s 4-0 victory over İstanbulspor earlier in the week.

His influence was once again evident against Manisa as Bursaspor needed a response after falling behind.

Iheanacho’s ability to deliver in crucial moments has quickly made him one of the key figures in the Bursaspor attack, with the Nigerian continuing to combine goalscoring with match-winning contributions.

The victory takes Bursaspor’s points tally to 15 as the club continues its push near the top of the league table.

For Iheanacho, the performance provides another positive chapter in a season that is rapidly gathering momentum.

The Nigerian forward has enjoyed several difficult periods in recent years, but his early form at Bursaspor has offered a reminder of the quality that once made him one of ‘s most exciting attacking prospects.

Goals have followed him in Turkey, and more importantly for Bursaspor, they have increasingly come at decisive moments.

Against Manisa, Iheanacho once again showed his value.

With the game heading towards its closing stages, the Nigerian stepped up when his team needed him most.

Another game. Another major contribution.

And this time, ‘s late intervention gave Bursaspor three valuable points.

The post Kelechi Iheanacho strikes late as Bursaspor edge Manisa appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

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