Anthony Nwakaeme is easily Nigeria’s most prolific goalscorer in Europe this season and he’s one match away from helping his club, Hapoel Be’er Sheva seal a first ever UEFA Champions League group stage spot.
Nwakaeme scored Hapoel’s first goal; an equalizer, in the 2-1 victory against Maribor in the first-leg of the final play-off.
The 28-year-old forward, standing at 1.85meters snapped a spectacular 90° angled volley from outside the box to draw his side level, two minutes after conceding.
Nigerian striker Anthony Nwakaeme’s volley for Hapoel Beer-Sheva vs Maribor in Champions League playoff. #UCLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/nY3Ek8Pt3J
— Babalola Oladapo (@Emperor_derek) August 16, 2017
Wednesday’s goal takes his tally to four in the qualification rounds and resonates of his performance last season.
Last term, the striker’s goals proved crucial as it helped the club secure a domestic double and the Nigerian recognized with the MVP award.
On the night though, His goal threw the Turner Stadium crowd into hysteria, before a first half penalty converted by Shir Tzedek (45+2′) completed the comeback for the Reds.
The uncapped Nigerian, had a compatriot holding his back, marshaling the Hapoel Be’er Sheva midfield.
John Ogu, who along with Nwakaeme have played every single minute for the club in the UCL qualification rounds, was rock solid in the middle as they secured a hard fought win.
The second leg of the tie comes up next week at the Ljudski vrt in Maribor.
