Super Eagles star shuts critics with brilliant three-goal contribution in France

The one-cap Nigeria international has endured some harsh criticisms of late, but he responded with a sensational display on Tuesday night

Super Eagles star Josh Maja was the architect of Bordeaux’s victory in their 4-0 thrashing of Quevilly Rouen in a Ligue 2 matchday six encounter at the Stade Matmut-Atlantique on Tuesday.

In a man-of-the-match display, Maja contributed three of Girondins Bordeaux’s four goals to lead David Guion’s men to their third league win of the campaign.

The former Sunderland forward scored Les Girondins’ opener from the penalty spot and provided two assists to show why his manager trusted him as the team’s leading striker.

Maja’s seventh-minute penalty was his first goal for Bordeaux this term.

It was also the best way to shut down some French critics who have repeatedly singled him out for blame despite Bordeaux’s fine start to the season.

Two French pundits, Laurent Brun and Christophe Monzie had slammed Maja for his indifferent display in Bordeaux’s slim 1-0 win over Niort a couple of weeks ago.

It would be recalled that Maja’s brilliant through-pass led to Bordeaux’s winner in the match. 

With one goal and three assists in six matches, Maja can claim to be one of his side’s most effective attacking players.

Les Girondins sit second in the French second tier with 11 points, one point behind leaders Caen.

The top two teams at the end of the season will secure direct promotion to Ligue 1.