Nigerian striker Anthony Ujah has begun life in Bulgaria on a high note, scoring in Botev Plovdiv’s Europa League qualification game against Georgian side NK Maribor on Thursday.
Plovdiv, playing away in the second leg, drew the game 2-2 to advance to the next round of qualification with a 4-3 aggregate win.
Ujah had also scored in the first leg in Bulgaria, where Plovdiv won 2-1 on home soil.
The return leg was always going to be a dicey one, but Ujah and his team-mates delivered when it mattered most.
Two goals and one assist for Anthony Ujah over two legs
Things looked promising for Maribor as Jan Repas scored in the 13th minute, giving the fans hope of qualification.
The first half ended with the Georgians in the lead, but the game came to life in the second half.
Nigerian star Christian Nwachukwu, who came on as a substitute, restored parity for Plovdiv just two minutes into the second half.
He then turned provider, delivering a cross that found Anthony Ujah, who scored with a brilliant finish to put his team ahead for the first time in the game.
Nigerians shine as Botev Plovdiv advance
Maribor then intensified their efforts, seeking an equaliser. Ujah had a decent chance to bury the game and the tie but failed to connect, and it was the home side who scored next.
With ten minutes left, Etienne Neugré got his team back in it with a goal to tie the game at 2-2.
Despite Maribor's valiant efforts, they could not break down the Bulgarians, as Plovdiv qualified for the next round of the Europa League qualifiers with a 4-3 aggregate.
Two other Nigerians, Samuel Akere and Ehije Ukaki also featured for Botev Plovdiv in the game.
Ujah, 33, joined Botev Plovdiv from German side Eintracht Braunschweig on a free transfer last month and has started his stint in Bulgaria impressively.
