Late Ejuke strike earns Sevilla second win of the season

• Chidera Ejuke scored his first La Liga goal with a late winner in Sevilla’s 2-1 win over Real Valladolid
• Ejuke joined Sevilla from CSKA Moscow on a free transfer in the summer
• Sevilla now sit 12th in La Liga, with eight points from seven games

In a thrilling display at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke came off the bench to score a dramatic match-winner for Sevilla in their 2-1 victory against Real Valladolid. 

With just five minutes left on the clock, Ejuke seized the opportunity to pounce on a loose pass, manoeuvring past three defenders before drilling a low shot into the corner of the net. This marked the 26-year-old's first goal for Sevilla since his arrival in the summer from CSKA Moscow.

The game had been finely balanced, with Sevilla initially taking the lead just before halftime through an own goal from Valladolid defender David Torres. The visitors equalised in the 56th minute, but Ejuke’s timely intervention made the difference. Brought on in the 61st minute to replace captain Jesus Navas, Ejuke showed his class in the dying stages, completing three dribbles and recording two shots on target in his 29-minute cameo.

Since joining Sevilla, Ejuke has made just three starts, but his performance against Valladolid could see him earn more minutes on the pitch. Sevilla’s coach García Pimienta will be thrilled with the Nigerian’s contribution as the team continues to climb the La Liga standings, now sitting 12th with eight points from seven matches

Ejuke who had expressed his excitement to be in a club of good standing when he signed for the Laliga side in the summer said, 

“When my agent told me that the club was interested, I was very excited about what was to come. I’m happy with how everything went, and now I’m just looking forward to it. I’m really happy to be a part of this family, and I’m looking forward to achieving many great things here. I hope that I can return to the Nigerian side; it’s always nice to represent your country.”

Despite Sevilla’s goal-scoring struggle since the season began, Ejuke has been a standout player for the Laliga side in duels and dribbles. Sevilla’s second win of the season is however a vital one, and Ejuke’s contribution will boost his confidence as he looks to now secure a spot in the starting lineup thanks to the injured starters.

Sevilla’s Iheanacho explains meaning of his ‘senior man’ nickname

Previously, TheRadar reported that after securing a two-year contract with Sevilla FC with an option of a third year, Kelechi Iheanacho disclosed the story behind his nickname in his first official interview with the club.

Sevilla FC had earlier announced the signing of the Nigerian striker from Leceister City FC. The former Leicester City forward, whose contract expired at the end of last season, put pen to paper on a deal with the Andalusian club.