Super Eagles star’s second Serie A debut ends in celebration; Udeh scores first goal in Brazil

Nigeria national team vice-captain William Troost-Ekong made a fine start to his second adventure in Serie A after helping Salernitana claim a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Lecce on Friday evening.

Troost-Ekong only completed a loan switch to Salernitana from Watford a few days ago but he was considered fit enough to start for the Garnets as they looked to halt a terrible run of seven defeats in eight games in all competitions.

And in a dream start to the night, two stunning strikes from Boulaye Dia and Tonny Vilhena in the opening 20 minutes handed Salernitana a healthy advantage at the Stadio Via del Mare.

Although Gabriel Strefezza pulled one back for the home side midway through the first half, Salernitana’s defence held on in the second half to claim a much-needed win.

The victory is Salernitana’s first league win of the year 2023 and the club’s first triumph on away ground since beating Lazio 3-1 in October.

Spotting jersey number 5, William Troost-Ekong will be pretty pleased with his contribution to Salernitana’s first win over Lecce since 2015.

The 29-year-old made two clearances and one interception, blocked one shot, completed five tackles, and was not dribbled past once while winning seven of his eight duels.

It is also a pleasant winning start for Troost-Ekong at Salernitana after only managing a draw on his debut for Udinese.

After joining Udinese in August 2018 from Bursaspor, Troost-Ekong played his first match for the Flying Donkeys as they forced Parma to a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.

Brazil

In Brazil, exciting Nigerian youngster Arinze Clinton Udeh scored his first goal for Londrina Esporte Clube to power the side to a thrilling 3-2 win over Operario PR in the Campeonato Paranaense.

Signed to the club’s U20 team, Udeh was making his second start for the senior side but he showed good composure to fire home the opening goal in the 42nd minute inside the Estádio Municipal Jacy Scaff.

The 20-year-old will look to continue his development when Londrina next trade tackles with Aruko Sports on Sunday.