Nigerian forward David Okereke has finally opened his goal account for Benevento in Serie B, producing a decisive moment of brilliance to inspire the club to their first victory of the campaign in front of a roaring home crowd on Friday evening.
After enduring a grueling start to the season marked by three defeats and a draw across all competitions, the Sorcerers finally got their campaign back on track.
With the game deadlocked at 1-1, the Nigerian forward stepped up to fire the hosts ahead, laying the foundation for a dominant 3-1 triumph over Verona at the Stadio Ciro Vigorito.
Since joining the club, the 29-year-old front-man has seen limited playing time, but he made his first start of the season count in dramatic fashion.
Edoardo Pierozzi initially opened the scoring for the hosts in the 17th minute off a Davide Lamesta assist, before Amin Sarr leveled for Verona seven minutes later.
Fourteen minutes into the second half, Okereke restored the lead off a fine setup from Mattia Maita before making way for Marco Tumminello in the 78th minute.
Davide Lamesta then sealed all three points with a thunderous strike into the top corner past the hour mark.
Gift Sunday and Emeka Eze Deliver Mixed Fortunes in Europe
Farther north in Finland, Gift Sunday delivered a super-sub performance to propel FC KTP to a convincing 3-0 victory over JäPS in their Ykkösliiga Round 23 clash.
Introduced in the 69th minute for Aapo Ruohio, the Skeid loanne needed just five minutes on the pitch at the Arto Tolsa Areena to double Raid’s lead following Joni Mäkelä’s first-half opener.
The strike marked Sunday’s third league goal and fourth overall this term. A minute later, a Julius Salo own goal put the match completely out of reach.
Compatriot Paul Ogunkoya also featured late off the bench, while Junior Christian Chibuzor anchored the defense to ensure a clean sheet.
Over in Turkey’s 1. Lig, it was a bittersweet outing for Emeka Eze. The 29-year-old striker gave Sarıyer a 27th-minute lead from the penalty spot after drawing the foul himself against Bandırmaspor at the Yusuf Ziya Öniş Stadyumu.
Eze was a constant menace—taking five shots and recording six touches in the opposition box—to bring his tally to two goals in four matches.
However, the Navy-Blues were unable to protect their advantage, as Lucas Lima converted a second-half penalty to force a 1-1 draw.
