Muhamed Tijani enjoyed a dream competitive debut for Újpest FC after providing a crucial assist in his side’s dramatic 4-2 victory over Debrecen in the Hungarian NB I.
The Nigerian striker, who recently completed a permanent move to the club, was introduced in the 70th minute as Újpest looked to protect a two-goal advantage after taking control of the contest.
Debrecen had taken an early lead through Ákos Szendrei, but the hosts responded brilliantly. Etienne Amenyido levelled the score before Krisztofer Horváth struck twice to put Újpest firmly in command at 3-1.
The visitors reduced the deficit late on through Balázs Dzsudzsák, setting up a tense finish, but Tijani helped settle the contest in stoppage time.
The former Flying Eagles forward showed great awareness by directing a header into the path of substitute Aljoša Matko, who fired home first time to seal an entertaining victory.
It was an encouraging first appearance for the 26-year-old, whose intelligent movement, aerial ability and composure made an immediate impact.
Following the impressive debut, Tijani will now be hoping to earn a place in the starting lineup as he looks to establish himself as a key figure in Újpest’s attack this season.
Godwin Aguda continued his impressive campaign in the Swedish Superettan by finding the net once again, although Falkenbergs FF were denied a valuable point in a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Varbergs BoIS.
The home side opened the scoring in the first half through Wilhelm Ärlig after Noah Johansson’s assist, leaving Falkenbergs with work to do after the break.
Aguda responded in style just 11 minutes into the second half. The Nigerian forward unleashed a powerful effort from outside the penalty area to draw his side level and register his second league goal of the season.
The strike also improved his overall contribution to five goal involvements in 17 league appearances, having now recorded two goals and three assists.
With both teams searching for a winner, Falkenbergs appeared set to leave with a point before disaster struck in stoppage time.
Niklas Dahlström converted Edvin Tellgren’s pass in the 92nd minute to snatch all three points for Varbergs, leaving Aguda’s impressive finish without reward.
The former Rivers United striker was substituted two minutes before full-time after another productive display and will be hoping his fine individual form can help Falkenbergs bounce back in their next outing.
Friday Etim carried his outstanding preseason form into the new Danish Superliga campaign by scoring his first league goal as FC Midtjylland defeated AC Horsens 2-1.
The Nigerian striker played a key role in another strong performance from the reigning champions, who secured consecutive league victories to open the new season.
Midtjylland took the lead in the 33rd minute when Franculino finished confidently after being set up by Valdemar Byskov.
Etim doubled the advantage moments before halftime, making a well-timed run before calmly converting Darío Osorio’s pass to put the home side in complete control heading into the break.
The goal marked the 24-year-old’s first in the league this season and further highlighted the excellent form that saw him score four times during preseason.
Etim’s afternoon ended after 63 minutes, but his contribution proved decisive as Midtjylland held on after Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan pulled one back for Horsens late in the game.
Another positive moment for the Danish champions saw fellow Nigerian Stanley Iheanacho make his competitive debut after coming off the bench in the closing stages.