Terem Moffi celebrated making a decisive contribution as Hamburg came from behind to beat Hoffenheim 3-2 in a dramatic away victory.

Hamburg were 2-1 down with only seven minutes remaining when the Nigerian striker equalised, before Miro Muheim scored deep into stoppage time to complete the turnaround for Merlin Polzin’s team.

Moffi had entered the match in the 76th minute, replacing Martin Adeline. Seven minutes later, he found the net for the first time since joining Die Rothosen this summer.

The goal also marked Moffi’s maiden Bundesliga strike, and the forward said he was particularly pleased to have helped Hamburg earn all three points after being impressed by the delivery from Muheim.

“We are very proud. I’m happy that I was able to help the team with my goal. Miro’s cross was a truly wonderful cross,” Moffi told the club’s official website.

The 26-year-old explained that his main task had been to move into the right position, but scoring the equaliser gave Hamburg renewed belief that they could still win the contest.

“All I had to do was get myself into position. After that, I had the feeling that we still had a chance to win the game. We succeeded in doing that in the last minute,” he said.

Muheim’s late winner secured a memorable comeback for Hamburg and capped a match in which Moffi’s introduction changed the course of the game.

The striker also paid tribute to the club’s travelling support, who had made the journey to watch Hamburg play away from home.

“It’s an extraordinary feeling to see how many HSV fans have set out to watch the game here. Crazy! We are grateful to each and every one of them for coming,” Moffi added.

Nigeria U-20 assistant coach Abdullahi Biffo has praised the standard of officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), while urging league organisers to maintain their efforts to improve other important areas of the domestic game.

Biffo made the comments after watching Ikorodu City claim a 2-0 victory over Kwara United in their Matchday 8 fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. He said the quality of the match and the performance of the officials pointed to steady progress within the league.

The coach, who observed the game from the stands, commended both teams for their contribution to the contest and said the match officials had maintained a high and professional standard throughout the encounter.

“It is a gradual process of improvement in the league, and we are getting there slowly with time,” Biffo said.

He also highlighted the quality and potential among the players involved, identifying a number of emerging talents who could develop into important figures if they remain focused and continue working on their game.

“For the teams in today’s match, I saw quality players on both sides, upcoming stars, and eagerness in some of the players, which I believe with a little time they will begin to make waves if they continue to build on themselves and remain focused,” he added.

Biffo said the result had been determined by a competitive encounter in which Ikorodu City ultimately held the advantage, with the two-goal margin reflecting their efforts.

“It was a difficult match for both sides, only that Ikorodu City had the edge over Kwara United with the goal margin to complement their efforts,” he concluded.

The former coach’s assessment comes as league organisers continue their rebuilding efforts, with Biffo calling for the same commitment to be applied across the other critical areas of the NPFL.

Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has given his former grassroots coach, Hyginus Okoye, a brand-new car to recognise his role in developing the Nigerian forward’s football career.

The Trabzonspor forward presented the vehicle to Okoye in Lagos, thanking the coach for helping to nurture his talent during his formative years at Young Stars FC in Satellite Town, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Onuachu began playing football at Young Stars FC before moving to FC Ebedie in Sagamu, Ogun State, where he continued his development.

His progress later earned him a move to Danish club FC Midtjylland, a key step in his transition into professional football.

The gift reflects Onuachu’s appreciation for the grassroots coaches who helped shape his career before he established himself as a Nigeria international and rose to prominence.

Onuachu, who has represented Nigeria’s Super Eagles, continues to play in European football with Trabzonspor. His gesture also draws attention to the contribution of coaches working at grassroots level, where many young players begin their careers.

Tolu Arokodare dedicated his goal for Ajax Amsterdam to injured team-mate Kasper Dolberg after scoring in Saturday evening’s 1-1 draw with NEC Nijmegen.

The Nigeria Super Eagles forward found the net during a closely contested match before celebrating in tribute to Dolberg, who is reportedly facing a lengthy absence because of a serious knee injury.

Arokodare said the idea for the celebration came from fellow Nigeria international Victor Osimhen, who suggested a way for him to show his support.

“I wanted to do something like this. Actually, it wasn't my own idea; Osimhen told me, ‘You should do something like this,’ and I did it. I thank him for that,” Arokodare said.

The gesture underlined the relationship between the two Nigerian internationals, with Osimhen helping Arokodare find a way to stand by his injured Ajax Amsterdam team-mate.

Arokodare’s goal was a positive moment for Ajax Amsterdam in a match that finished level against NEC Nijmegen. The forward will now aim to build on the performance as he continues his campaign with the Dutch club.

Bright Osayi-Samuel was named Player of the Match after helping Birmingham City secure a 1-0 away victory over West Bromwich Albion in the English Championship.

The Super Eagles defender produced an impressive display in a closely contested encounter, contributing to Birmingham’s efforts to claim all three points on the road.

Osayi-Samuel, who primarily plays at right-back, was particularly important in defence as Birmingham protected their narrow lead and held on for victory.

The result provides a significant boost to Birmingham City as they continue their campaign in the English second tier.

The individual award also underlines Osayi-Samuel’s increasing influence at the club. His performance against West Bromwich Albion further demonstrated the quality and consistency he has brought to English football.

Rivers United goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena has resumed full training after undergoing career-threatening surgery earlier this year, the club has confirmed.

The Super Eagles player’s operation and complete rehabilitation programme were funded by Rivers United, with the total cost estimated at about ?14 million.

Ozoemena was not required to pay any medical expenses as he recovered from the injury, in a decision the Port Harcourt-based club said reflected its commitment to player welfare.

“This is part of the club’s wider player-first approach,” Rivers United said in a statement on Friday.

The club had publicly highlighted its “colossal commitment to player welfare” in March 2026, citing Ozoemena’s treatment as an example of its policy of taking full responsibility for players’ health and recovery.

His return continues a recent pattern of support for injured members of the squad. Right-back Ebuka Akobundu was previously helped back into action after missing 378 days with an abdominal injury.

“By removing the financial and medical burden, the club allows players to concentrate fully on their recovery and performance,” Rivers United said.

“That approach has helped lift squad morale and strengthen team unity.”

Ozoemena’s return to full training marks a significant stage in his recovery. Rehabilitation following ACL injuries usually takes several months and requires careful medical supervision, making his progress an indication of both the surgery’s success and the aftercare provided by the club.

Rivers United are still competing in the NPFL season, and the goalkeeper’s availability for full training gives the technical crew and the rest of the squad a boost.

The club’s decision to cover both the operation and rehabilitation means Ozoemena has been able to focus on his recovery without the added pressure of medical costs. Rivers United said that approach forms part of a broader player-first policy rather than being limited to a single case.

The support previously offered to Akobundu, who returned after more than a year out, also underlines the club’s willingness to assist players through extended injury lay-offs.

Ozoemena’s next step will be to continue working with the squad as he builds towards a return to competitive action. His resumption of full training nevertheless represents the latest positive development after an operation that had threatened his career.

Shooting Stars Sports Club will look to end their losing run on the road when they face bottom side Kun Khalifat FC in Matchday 8 of the EUROMATCH Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday, October 11.

The fixture will be played at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, Kun Khalifat’s adopted home ground, with both teams needing a result to ease pressure after difficult starts to the season.

Shooting Stars, also known as the Oluyole Warriors, sit 14th with eight points from seven matches. They have recorded two wins, two draws and three defeats, but all three of their losses have come away from home.

They opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos before suffering a 3-1 defeat by Plateau United, a 1-0 loss to Warri Wolves and a 4-2 defeat against Enyimba.

Their struggles on their travels have been compounded by two successive goalless draws at home against Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars. The results have increased scrutiny on technical adviser Salisu Yusuf, with some supporters calling for him to be dismissed.

Shooting Stars acknowledged their difficult start in a statement issued this week and warned fans against violence and abusive behaviour towards staff and players.

Kun Khalifat are five points from seven matches and occupy 20th place in the table. They have won once, drawn twice and lost four times, while their 14 goals conceded represent the worst defensive record in the league.

Their most recent match ended in a 1-0 defeat by Niger Tornadoes. Their only victory so far came at home against Kwara United, with Kun Khalifat winning that game 1-0.

The two clubs have each won their home fixture in their previous two meetings. Kun Khalifat hold a narrow advantage in the overall scoring record, having found the net three times to Shooting Stars’ two.

Sunday’s encounter carries significant importance for both sides as they attempt to move away from trouble. However, the pressure is particularly acute on Shooting Stars, who must avoid another defeat and are seeking their first point away from home this season.

Nigeria international Bright Osayi-Samuel was named Man of the Match after helping Birmingham City beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 in the Championship at The Hawthorns.

The 28-year-old completed the full 90 minutes in his ninth appearance in the English second tier this season, playing a key defensive role as Birmingham secured victory.

August Priske scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 41st minute to settle Saturday’s fixture.

Osayi-Samuel recorded six defensive contributions, made three clearances and completed 11 recoveries during an influential performance.

The result was Birmingham’s fourth away win in the English second tier. They moved up to seventh in the table on 14 points, six behind leaders Swansea City.

The award came after a difficult international break for the Super Eagles defender. He was criticised for his performance in Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

That result left Nigeria second in the group behind Guinea-Bissau, who have won their opening two matches.

Osayi-Samuel was born in Okija, Nigeria, and moved to Spain with his family before relocating to England at the age of 10. The family settled in Woolwich, London.

He developed through Blackpool’s youth academy and made his professional debut on 7 March 2015, starting in a 1-0 home defeat by Sheffield Wednesday.

Osayi-Samuel scored his first professional goal on 10 December 2016, finding the net in Blackpool’s 2-0 away victory against Stevenage.

By the end of his Blackpool career, he had scored four goals in 64 league appearances and five goals in 79 matches in all competitions.

After four seasons with Fenerbahce, Osayi-Samuel joined Birmingham City in the summer of 2025 on a three-year contract.

Blackburn Rovers and Nigeria defender Ryan Alebiosu has described the “depressing” period in his teenage years when unexplained pain in both knees kept him out of football for almost two years.

Alebiosu was about 15 when the condition left him unable to run or walk properly. Doctors could not identify the cause of the problem and were uncertain whether he would need surgery.

“They didn’t know what was going on. I couldn’t run. I couldn’t walk,” the 24-year-old told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“Obviously, it was kind of depressing having about two years of not playing football because of this knee injury. This was when I was about 15 and went on for a couple of years. I couldn’t play.”

The right-back, who has made more than 50 appearances for Blackburn since joining the club in 2025, said the uncertainty was particularly difficult as he watched other young players continue to develop.

Alebiosu’s career has included spells with the academies and squads of Arsenal, Crewe Alexandra, Kilmarnock, Kortrijk and St. Mirren. He eventually established himself in Lancashire and went on to win his first cap for Nigeria.

The former Arsenal youngster said specialists described his condition as non-specific knee pain because they were unable to determine what was causing the discomfort in either leg.

“They didn’t know if I needed surgery or anything with it because I had pain in both of my knees and they didn’t know what was causing it. It was non-specific knee pain,” he said.

With no clear diagnosis or treatment plan, Alebiosu was left hoping the problem would resolve itself.

“I was always hoping for the best, to be honest. They didn’t know if I needed the surgery or anything, but at that point I was just hoping that it was nothing more serious and that it would just settle,” he added.

The prolonged absence came at a formative stage of his development and left him frustrated as his peers moved forward in the game.

“It was frustrating because I was a kid and everyone was progressing, and I’m just waiting to see when this is gonna go.”

Alebiosu has since fought his way back into professional football, with his progress at Blackburn helping him reach the international level with the Super Eagles.

Bendel Insurance goalkeeper Joshua Baba has returned to the club and rejoined his team-mates ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 8 fixture against Sporting Lagos.

The former Enyimba goalkeeper was declared absent without official leave (AWOL) by Bendel Insurance after failing to report for duty when his approved recovery period ended.

Baba suffered an injury during Bendel Insurance’s Matchday 1 meeting with Warri Wolves at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. The goalkeeper was subsequently given two weeks to recover before travelling to Plateau State to visit his family.

He did not return to Benin City within the timeframe set by the club, which led to Bendel Insurance issuing a statement declaring him AWOL.

The Benin-based side have now confirmed that Baba resurfaced in Lagos on Saturday night. He later joined his team-mates at the team hotel as the Benin Arsenal prepared for their league encounter with Sporting Lagos.

Bendel Insurance thank media and stakeholders

The club also thanked members of the media and other stakeholders for their involvement after its earlier announcement concerning Baba’s absence.

“The management of Bendel Insurance FC also wishes to use this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to members of the media and other key stakeholders who have played various roles since the club issued its earlier statement declaring the goalkeeper AWOL,” the club said in a statement.

“Bendel Insurance FC remains committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and accountability in all its dealings.”

Plateau United will be missing five players for Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 8 fixture against Kano Pillars as they continue to deal with a series of injuries.

Monami Vongsuou and ThankGod Chinemeze are recovering from knee problems, while Seiyefa Jackson remains unavailable after suffering a rib fracture. Utin Ikowem is also ruled out with an ankle sprain.

The injured players are expected to remain in recovery as Plateau United prepare to welcome Kano Pillars to the New Jos Stadium.

The hosts will be seeking a response after losing 2-0 to Enyimba in Aba last weekend. That result ended Plateau United’s four-match unbeaten run.

The Peace Boys will hope home advantage and the backing of their supporters can help them return to winning ways. They will also need to improve in attack and cut out the defensive mistakes that contributed to their defeat against Enyimba.

Kano Pillars arrive in Jos having drawn each of their past four league matches. Their run reflects their resilience, but also their difficulty in turning promising performances into victories.

The Sai Masu Gida’s latest outing ended in a goalless draw against Shooting Stars. That stalemate followed three successive draws against Sporting Lagos, Enyimba and Inter Lagos.

Sunday’s meeting therefore presents an important opportunity for Plateau United to put their campaign back on track, while Kano Pillars will attempt to bring their sequence of draws to an end.

Moroccan referee Driss Lamghaidar and his officiating team have admitted an error after allowing extra time and a penalty shootout in Saturday’s 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between Nigeria and Ghana in Kaduna.

The first-leg tie had finished 3-3 after regulation time, but the officials instructed the teams to play extra time before proceeding to penalties.

That decision caused confusion among dignitaries and spectators at the venue, with the format of the qualifying tie requiring the teams to play a second leg before the outcome is decided.

At a meeting on Saturday night, Lamghaidar acknowledged the mistake and confirmed that the match should have ended as a draw.

The return fixture is scheduled for Sunday, October 18, in Keta, Ghana. The clarification means the two-legged tie remains level, with qualification still to be settled in the second match.

Isa Hamza Manga scored a hat-trick for Nigeria, while Ghana’s Black Sharks found the net through Mawuli Sosu, who scored twice, and Wise Nyamadi.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had immediately requested an explanation from the match officials after they allowed the game to continue beyond regulation time.

The federation questioned the decision because only the first leg of the two-match qualifying tie had been played. Extra time and penalties should not have been used at that stage, as the aggregate score can only be determined after the return fixture in Ghana.

The officials’ admission confirms that the result from the match in Kaduna is officially recorded as a 3-3 draw, rather than being settled by the additional periods and shootout that followed.

Moroccan referee Driss Lamghaidar and his officiating team have admitted making an error by allowing extra time and penalties after Nigeria’s 2026 CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Ghana ended 3-3.

The first-leg match in Kaduna had finished level after regulation time, but Lamghaidar and his assistants instructed the teams to continue into extra time before deciding the outcome through a penalty shootout.

The decision left dignitaries and spectators at the Murtala Muhammed Square Beach Soccer Pitch confused, as the two-match tie was only at its halfway stage.

At a meeting on Saturday night, Lamghaidar acknowledged that the match should not have gone beyond regulation time. The second leg, which will decide the tie, is scheduled for Sunday, 18th October in Keta, Ghana.

The error means the qualification contest remains evenly poised, with both teams still needing to secure victory in the return fixture.

Isa Hamza Manga scored a hat-trick for Nigeria, while Mawuli Sosu struck twice and Wise Nyamadi added Ghana’s other goal for the Black Sharks.

The Nigeria Football Federation immediately sought clarification from the match officials over the decision to use extra time and penalties. Such a conclusion is not applicable to a two-leg fixture when only the first leg has been played.

Among those who watched the match were National Sports Commission chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, NFF Acting General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Kaduna State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Hon. Ben Kure.

Special Assistants to the NSC chairman Barr. Musa Amadu and Clement Nwankpa, NFF Acting Deputy General Secretary Dr Ademola Olajire, and the NSC chairman’s Personal Assistant Alhaji Ahmad Muazu were also present.

The officials represented the National Sports Commission, the Kaduna State Government and the Nigeria Football Federation at the match.

Terem Moffi scored his first Bundesliga goal as Hamburg came from behind to beat Hoffenheim 3-2 in a thrilling encounter on Saturday.

The Nigeria international began on the bench and replaced Martin Adeline in the 76th minute, with Hamburg trailing 2-1.

Moffi made an immediate impact, bringing Hamburg level seven minutes after coming on to open his league account for the club.

Miro Muheim completed the comeback by scoring deep into stoppage time, securing three points for Merlin Polzin’s side.

The result moves Hamburg up to 11th in the Bundesliga table, with six points from their opening five matches.

Moffi has now featured in all five of Hamburg’s league games this season.

Hamburg will attempt to build on the win when they host or visit VfB Stuttgart in their next Bundesliga fixture.

Nigeria’s Super Sand Eagles were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Ghana after a 4-4 draw following extra time in the first leg of their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie in Kaduna on Saturday.

Isa Hamza Manga scored a hat-trick for Nigeria, including the opening goal, but the Sand Eagles were unable to secure victory against Ghana’s Black Sharks.

Manga gave Nigeria an early boost before Ghana responded, with Mawuli Sosu scoring twice for the visitors. The contest remained closely fought as both sides continued to threaten in an entertaining encounter.

Ekene Obi put Nigeria on the scoresheet in extra time, but Ghana refused to surrender. Wise Nyamadi then scored an extra-time equaliser to send the tie to a penalty shootout after the two teams had finished level at 4-4 following regulation time and extra time.

Ghana converted all five of their penalties, while Nigeria scored four, giving the Black Sharks a crucial advantage before the return fixture in Keta next Sunday.

The result leaves Nigeria needing a strong away performance in the second leg to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The winners of the two-legged tie will qualify for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

Blackburn Rovers forward Dapo Afolayan says he wants to represent Nigeria at senior level, despite having previously played for England’s youth teams.

The England-born attacker, who is of Nigerian descent, said playing for the Super Eagles had been a personal ambition since childhood. He also revealed that he came close to receiving a Nigeria call-up during his time in the German Bundesliga, only for an unfortunate change in circumstances to end that possibility.

“I'd love to play for Nigeria. It's always been something I wanted to do since I was a kid. I've been really close and timing has been unfortunate,” Afolayan said.

The 27-year-old explained that he had been performing well in Germany and expected to be considered for international selection. However, he stopped playing before the March break and ultimately missed out on the opportunity.

“I was really playing well in the Bundesliga, and I was really close to a call-up, then I stopped playing before the March break and ended up not going,” he added.

Afolayan’s comments could bring him to the attention of Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria continue to assess players eligible for future international assignments.

His willingness to switch allegiance would give Nigeria another possible attacking option, although any move would remain subject to confirmation of his eligibility and the required international clearance procedures.

Having appeared for England at youth level does not automatically prevent Afolayan from representing Nigeria. However, the nature of those appearances, including whether any were made in competitive fixtures, would determine which FIFA eligibility rules apply to his case.

Afolayan was born in England and has Nigerian heritage, making him eligible to explore a possible international future with the Super Eagles. His previous involvement with England’s youth sides means the relevant regulations would need to be considered before any senior switch could be completed.

The forward now hopes his performances for Blackburn Rovers can help him secure the opportunity he has wanted since he was a child: representing Nigeria at senior international level.

Terem Moffi scored his first goal for Hamburger SV as they came from behind to beat Hoffenheim 3-2 away in the German Bundesliga.

The Nigeria Super Eagles forward began the match on the bench but was introduced in the 73rd minute. He made an immediate impact, scoring Hamburg’s equaliser in the 83rd minute to level the game at 2-2.

Hamburg took the lead when Youssoufa Poulsen found the net, but Hoffenheim were gifted an equaliser on the stroke of half-time through Bornauw’s own goal.

The hosts then moved in front in the 53rd minute, with Conte scoring to put Hoffenheim in a strong position to claim all three points.

Moffi’s late intervention restored parity and set up a dramatic finish, before Miro Muheim completed Hamburg’s comeback with a late goal to secure the visitors’ 3-2 victory.

The goal gives Moffi a confidence boost as the Nigerian international continues trying to establish himself at Hamburger SV and make an impression in the Bundesliga.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, His Excellency Ambassador Syndoph Paebi Endoni, has challenged the Golden Eaglets to win the WAFU-B U17 Championship for the millions of football supporters in Nigeria and around the world.

Ambassador Endoni delivered the message during a dinner held for the team and its officials at the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou on Friday evening, ahead of the competition’s opening this Saturday.

The Golden Eaglets will begin their campaign against Niger Republic on Wednesday, with the ambassador urging the players to embrace the responsibility of representing their country.

“I welcome you to the Nigeria House in Ouagadougou, the Embassy of Nigeria in this country. There are millions of young footballers waiting for this opportunity to represent Nigeria,” Ambassador Endoni said.

“You have come here to represent Nigeria. I therefore charge you to fly Nigeria’s flag higher and higher. Win for us. Win for the millions of football-loving Nigerians all over the world.”

Endoni, who said he was a former basketball player and the founder of Royal Hoopers Basketball Club in Port Harcourt, which later became Rivers Hoopers, told the players they must respond quickly if they made mistakes during matches.

“You may make mistakes on the pitch, but you must correct them immediately and ensure that you win all your games,” he said.

The ambassador also linked the development of young footballers with Nigeria’s wider efforts to steer young people away from criminality.

“We are a blessed country. We are united, and we are a very strong nation. We must get it right from the scratch, using these young footballers as good examples,” he said.

“Nigeria will continue to be strong when we encourage these young ones to take their minds off criminality, and football is key in this regard.”

The Golden Eaglets have also been promised strong backing from Nigerians living in Burkina Faso throughout the tournament.

Endoni said thousands of Nigerians were resident in the country and that he would work to mobilise the community to attend the matches and support the team from the stands.

“I want to assure you that Nigerians here will be at the stadium to support the team. We have thousands of Nigerians in this country,” he said.

“The Nigerian community will give the team huge support in all its matches in the championship.”

Nigeria’s Sand Eagles were beaten 5-4 on penalties by Ghana after a 4-4 draw in the first leg of their 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (BSAFCON) qualifying tie in Kaduna on Saturday.

The match remained level after extra time, with Ghana’s Black Sharks holding their nerve in the shootout to secure an important advantage before the return leg in Keta next Sunday.

Isa Hamza Manga led Nigeria’s attacking effort with a hat-trick, including the opening goal, as the Sand Eagles twice battled to stay in the contest. Ekene Obi also scored during extra time, but Nigeria could not find a decisive winner.

Ghana mounted a strong response through Mawuli Sosu, who scored twice, before Wise Nyamadi equalised in extra time to ensure the match went to penalties.

The Black Sharks converted enough of their spot-kicks to win 5-4 and leave Nigeria facing a difficult task in the second leg.

The Sand Eagles must now produce a strong performance away from home to keep their hopes of reaching the continental tournament alive. The winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the 2026 BSAFCON in Senegal.

Ademola Lookman started as Atletico Madrid secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Deportivo Alaves on Saturday, extending their winning run in LaLiga.

The Nigeria forward made his seventh league appearance of the season, having scored one goal, but was substituted in the 46th minute.

The result moved Diego Simeone’s side up to 19 points from eight matches and into second place in the table. Alaves remain sixth with 11 points.

Atletico Madrid arrived at Mendizorrotza on Matchday 8 determined to keep pace with the leaders and ended a four-match wait for victory at the stadium.

They took the lead in the 33rd minute through a well-worked move. Jonathan David produced an excellent backheel to send the ball through the Alaves defence, allowing Alejandro Grimaldo to finish clinically.

Alaves levelled in the sixth minute of first-half added time after conceding a penalty. Robin Le Normand brought down Jonny Otto from a free-kick, and Lucas Boye made no mistake from the spot to restore parity before the interval.

The balance of the match changed in the 61st minute when Alaves were reduced to 10 men. Angel Perez was shown a red card following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Julian Alvarez.

Atletico Madrid used the numerical advantage to apply sustained pressure, but they were forced to wait until the 87th minute to find the decisive goal.

Substitute Alex Baena delivered a cross into the penalty area, where summer signing Cristian Romero rose highest to head the ball into the net. It was Romero’s first goal for the club and proved to be the winner.