Have you been waiting for Taiwo Awoniyi to make his mark at Coventry City? The wait is officially over.
The Super Eagles striker finally opened his goal account—and threw in an assist for good measure—to inspire his side to a thrilling EFL Cup victory over Plymouth on Tuesday evening.
Delivering a true Man of the Match performance, Awoniyi spearheaded the attack.
He grabbed the opener and set up the second, helping the visitors survive a massive scare to crush their hosts 4-2 at Home Park.
It took the Nigerian hitman just two games to find the back of the net. After arriving from Nottingham Forest and enduring a tough 3-0 debut defeat to Arsenal, he showed exactly why the Sky Blues brought him in.
Just three minutes into his first start and full debut for Frank Lampard’s side, Awoniyi struck. Latching onto a precise pass from Ghanaian midfielder Caleb Yerinkyi, he confidently put Coventry in front.
Two minutes later, the Nigerian international turned provider. He brilliantly set up Jack Rudoni to double the advantage for the newly promoted Premier League outfit.
But if you thought the game was over, think again. The Sky Blues nearly threw their lead away as the Pilgrims staged a spirited comeback.
Oliver Irow pulled one back in the 20th minute, reducing the deficit to 2-1 heading into the halftime break. Just six minutes after the restart, Xavier Amaechi stunned the visitors to level the score at 2-2.
However, Coventry proved their Premier League pedigree by quickly restoring their two-goal cushion.
Ephron Mason-Clark handed the visitors a 3-2 lead just past the hour mark. Victor Torp then sealed the deal 11 minutes later, ensuring safe passage to the next round of the competition.
As for Awoniyi, he enjoyed a stellar 70-minute shift before making way for Sidiki Cherif, leaving the pitch to a well-deserved ovation.
Over at Portman Road, another Super Eagles prospect was making headlines.
Chuba Akpom delivered a crucial assist to help Ipswich Town claim a commanding 3-1 victory over Leicester City in their EFL Cup tie.
With the match locked in a tense 1-1 stalemate, Akpom produced a moment of magic.
The 30-year-old Nigerian forward grabbed his first goal contribution of the season, putting the Tractor Boys 2-1 in front.
The breakthrough came after a goalless first half. Sindre Walle Egeli fired the hosts ahead two minutes past the hour mark, but the Foxes quickly responded through Olabade Aluko just five minutes later.
Ipswich weren’t to be denied. Just four minutes after the equaliser, Akpom linked up brilliantly with Marcelino Núñez to restore the lead.
Núñez then grabbed his brace in stoppage time to officially seal the win and send the Tractor Boys marching into the next round.
