Julius OkorieSuper Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho, finally netted a goal for English Championship side Middlesbrough on Saturday after eight appearances for the side.
The former Leicester City star who moved on a season loan from Sevilla to Middlesbrough early February was quick to level up for Boro ten minutes after Oxford United shot into the lead courtesy of Michal Helik. Neto Borges then struck in the 80th minute to ensure 2-1 victory for Boro.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe match marked Iheanacho’s eighth appearance in the league for manager Michael Carrick’s side, and scoring his maiden goal was a crucial moment for the Nigerian international, who had been looking to break into the scoresheet since joining the club.
Middlesbrough moved to seventh place in the league table, accumulating 57 points from 39 matches, a promising position as they aim for a playoff spot.
It was not a day for smiles for Oxford United as they remained rooted at 19th in the league with 42 points from the same number of fixtures, putting them in danger of relegation.
READ ALSO:Middlesbrough Happy To Sign Kelechi Iheanacho
Meanwhile, it was a painful FA Cup quarter-final exit for the duo of Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey as Fulham lost 3-0 to Crystal Palace at the Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Nigeria born England international Eberechi was practically on rampage scoring the opener for Palace and providing an assist for second goal before Edward Nketiah netted the third goal for the visitors in a clinical finish.
While Iwobi was in action for 82 minutes before giving way for teammate Thomas Calmey, compatriot Calvin Bassey was in action for the entire duration of the match. Fulham’s exit means another crashed dream to laying hands on the FA Cup. Crystal Palace, who are equally hoping to clinch a maiden title in the championship, will be hoping to go all the way to the final.
The second quarter-final clash for the day was sweet story for the duo of Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi after Nottingham Forest progressed on 4-3 penalties against Brighton.
The encounter had ended 1-1 after extra time forcing an interesting penalty shootout that saw Forest convert four out their five kicks.
The second set of FA Cup quarter-final clashes continue today with Preston North End hosting Aston Villa, while Bournemouth slug it out with seven-time FA Cup winners Manchester City.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
