Super Eagles skipper stars in seven-goal Super Lig thriller

Faith Karagumruk and Yeni Malatyaspor kicked off the Turkish top-flight matchday five games with an entertaining clash that will live for a while in their fans’ memories

Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa impressed from start to finish to help Fatih Karagumruk come from behind to seal a memorable 4-3 win at Yeni Malatyaspor on Friday evening.

Musa was not among the goals, but he certainly was one of Fatih Karagumruk’s better players on the night, contributing immensely in attack and in defence.

Andrea Bertolacci and Aleksandar Pesic grabbed a brace each to pull Francesco Farioli’s men back from 2-0 down, then 3-1 down to a 4-3 triumph over a Yeni Malatyaspor side that paraded Nigerian midfielder Obinna Nwobodo.

But Musa was constantly in the thick of the action. The Super Eagles skipper enjoyed an 84% pass accuracy, completed 100% of his dribbles, and won seven of his nine ground duels.

The former Leicester City ace made two key passes and had two shots blocked for the Black-Red.

In defence, Musa contributed one clearance and three tackles as the visitors struggled to contain the fluid attack of Yeni before the hosts were reduced to ten men with the sending off of Jospin Nshimirimana on the hour mark.

The win shoots Fatih Karagumruk (who have played a game more) to third on the Super Lig table, levelled on ten points with leaders Besiktas and Anthony Nwakaeme’s Trabzonspor.

Musa only joined the Black-Red in July on a free transfer after a brief spell in the NPFL with former club Kano Pillars.

But the 28-year-old has become an influential member of coach Francesco Farioli’s side, helping the team to two wins and a draw in the four matches he has played in.