Impact Sub: Nigeria’s star comes on to score a brilliant individual winner as Venezia stun Empoli

The Winged Lions had lost their first two games, but they finally secured their first league win of the season on Saturday afternoon

Nigerian striker David Okereke came off the bench to score the winner against Empoli at the Carlo Castellani Stadium as Venezia secured their first win since their return to the Italian Serie A.

The Venice-based side had lost their first two league games on their return to the top-flight, but they finally picked up their first three points away from home, courtesy of a 2-1 win against their hosts.

Paolo Zanetti’s men started on the front foot, and their efforts were rewarded as Thomas Henry put them ahead in the 13th minute, finishing off a Mattia Aramu assist.

The goal ensured the away side went into the break with the lead. The second half resumed with Empoli trying to find a way back into the game, but Venezia were solid at the back.

The newly-promoted side signed two Nigerians on loan this summer, Tyronne Ebuehi and David Okereke. While Ebuehi did not feature, Okereke came off the bench in the 67th minute as Venezia searched for a second goal.

And he wasted little time to announce himself as he went on a beautiful solo run to finish past Guglielmo Vicario just a minute after coming on.

Although Empoli pulled one back in the 89th minute through Nedim Bajrami, it was a little too late as Venezia held on for an important win.