Ajibade is Atlético’s Copa hero, Sunderland’s Abdullahi hit hattrick, Awoniyi scores but suffers broken nose

Rasheedat Ajibade, Ahmed Abdullahi and Taiwo Awoniyi were on target for their clubs in Spain and England on Tuesday, February 11, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Ajibade saves Copa day for Atlético

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade was the difference maker for Atlético Madrid Femenino, scoring deep into extra time to help her side secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Cacereño in the Spanish Copa de la Reina quarter-finals.

 

Despite being clear favourites against their Primera Federación opponents, Atlético found it tough to break down a resolute Cacereño defense.

Rasheedat Ajibade, introduced in the 64th minute, eventually made the breakthrough in the 116th minute, drilling home a crucial goal to tilt the contest in Atlético’s favour.

Just four minutes later, Sheila Guijarro sealed the win, ensuring Atlético’s progression to the semi-finals.

The victory made Atlético the first team to book a place in the last four, with Barcelona, Madrid CFF, Levante, Granada, Real Madrid, or Real Sociedad set to complete the lineup.

Ajibade’s goal took her season tally to seven in all competitions, including six in 14 league appearances.

Abdullahi hits hat-trick as Sunderland U21s thrash Huddersfield

In England, Ahmed Abdullahi stole the spotlight with a stunning hat-trick as Sunderland U21s demolished Huddersfield Town U21s 7-0 in the Premier League Cup at the Eppleton Colliery Football Ground.

The 20-year-old Nigerian forward, who joined Sunderland last summer for $1.5 million, put on a show, opening the scoring from the penalty spot in the 9th minute before doubling the lead in the 26th minute.

He completed his treble in the 59th minute before being substituted, having powered the young Black Cats to an emphatic victory.

Abdullahi, a Flying Eagles star who helped Nigeria win bronze at the 2023 U20 AFCON, is quickly making a name for himself in England.

Elsewhere, Nigeria international defender Benjamin Tanimu was an unused substitute in Crawley Town’s 3-1 League One victory over Stevenage.

Awoniyi scores and suffers broken nose in Forest’s FA Cup win

Taiwo Awoniyi had a bittersweet night in the FA Cup, scoring a superb goal before suffering a broken nose as Nottingham Forest edged Exeter City on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

The Super Eagles striker curled in a brilliant left-footed effort in the 37th minute to put Forest 2-1 ahead.

However, Exeter clawed their way back in the second half to force the game into a shootout.

Forest eventually prevailed 4-2 on penalties, but the night ended painfully for Awoniyi, who was stretchered off after a nasty collision with the Exeter goalkeeper.

Compatriot Ola Aina, who has been one of Forest’s standout performers in the Premier League, was not included in the squad for the cup tie.

Dele-Bashiru’s Watford suffer heavy defeat to Leeds

In the Championship, Tom Dele-Bashiru and his Watford teammates endured a torrid evening as Leeds United stormed to a commanding 4-0 victory at Vicarage Road.

The win extended Leeds’ lead at the top of the table to five points, piling further misery on the struggling Hornets.