It was a mixed bag of emotions for veteran Nigerian forward Yusuf Otubanjo, who went from hero to zero during Nasaf Qarshi’s away match against Bunyodkor in the Uzbekistan Super League on Thursday evening.
Nasaf Qarshi came from behind to secure a crucial 3-1 victory over Bunyodkor in this Uzbekistan Super League matchday 16 clash.
Yusuf Otubanjo Shines in Nasaf Qarshi Win
Bilol Toshmirzaev gave the hosts an early lead just five minutes into the encounter, but Yusuf Otubanjo quickly sparked the comeback.
In the 15th minute, Otubanjo set up Bobur Abdukholiqov with a clever touch inside the 18-yard box to level the score.
Abdukholiqov then completed his brace just after the hour mark to put the visitors ahead.
Three minutes later, Otubanjo sealed the victory with a moment of individual brilliance.
A lobbed pass from the right flank located the Nigerian on the run; his brilliant first touch nutmegged his marker, allowing him to outpace two defenders and round the onrushing goalkeeper before slotting the ball into an empty net.
This crucial contribution doubled his season’s tally. Having joined the Uzbekistan Super League side from Pyunik Yerevan as a free agent in July 2025, the 33-year-old forward had struggled for form, scoring just twice prior to this match.
He has now recorded three goals and one assist in 25 appearances for the club.
Red Card Dampens Yusuf Otubanjo’s Uzbekistan Super League Display
However, the night ended on a sour note for the Nigerian forward. Having already received a yellow card in the 52nd minute after a VAR review caught him elbowing a marker while trying to dribble free, his carelessness proved costly in the 86th minute.
After receiving a pass, Otubanjo tried to take on three players but lost possession. In a desperate bid to win the ball back, he tripped an opponent, earning a second yellow card and an inevitable red.
While his dismissal left his team to navigate the final minutes a man down, Nasaf Qarshi held on to secure the 3-1 win.
Unfortunately, Yusuf Otubanjo now faces a match suspension, putting a sudden dampener on his most productive game of the season.