Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi: Exciting Nigerian and Salernitana talent thanks ex-Malaga star after first Serie A goal

The enterprising youngster was delighted to net his first goal in the Italian top-flight

US Salernitana 1919 striker Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi has applauded goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa for his brilliance in their 2-2 draw with Sassuolo on Friday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ikwuemesi produced one of the major highlights of the encounter when he raced beyond the defenders to slot the ball into the net for his first Serie A goal.

Boulaye Dia scored the second for the visitors shortly after, but Kristian Thorstvedt scored either side of the halftime break to earn Sassuolo a share of the points.

Sassuolo had several chances to clinch the win, though, but Ochoa made several stunning saves to secure the draw for Salernitana.

 

The former Malaga goalkeeper, as per Sofascore, was Salernitana’s highest-rated player, having made seven saves, five of which were from inside the box.

And Ikwuemesi was quick to appreciate the Mexican shot-stopper for his contribution in the draw.

“It was a battle; we lost concentration after the 2-1. I have to thank him (Ochoa); he had a great performance,” Ikwuemesi told DAZN via Tutto Salernitana.

Salernitana are rooted to the base of the league table after claiming only five points from their first 12 games.

The Garnets are yet to win a game this term and look like the top candidates for a relegation struggle.

Despite netting his first Serie A goal, Ikwuemesi is disappointed that Salernitana could not secure their first win of the season.

While staying philosophical about the situation, the 22-year-old forward believes he and his teammates will fight to push Salernitana to victory soon.

“I’m very happy for the goal, but it was much more important to get the three points,” Ikwuemesi added. “This is football; sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. We just have to move forward and fight, always with our heads held high.”

Ikwuemesi joined Salernitana from NK Celje for €1.80 million after terrorising defenders in Slovenia last term.