Turkish side Besiktas secured a crucial 1-0 win away to Czech Republic side Hradec Králové in the preliminary round of games in the Europa League, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
However one name stayed on the lips of everyone after the game and it was that of 19 year old Nigerian forward Abdullahi Umar, who was a second half substitute for the Czech Republic side.
Umar drew a foul that led to a Besiktas defender getting sent off, and aside missing a big chance he put in a performance that left everyone asking who he is and why he didn’t start.
Last season he scored 25 goals to emerge as top scorer and also power the U19 team to victory in the league. Head coach Jiří Hořejš praised his contributions and confirmed that the forward, who was only recently promoted to the first team is pushing for a spot in the starting lineup.
“He’s confident, fearless, sharp, and didn’t waste any easy passes. His only shortcoming was failing to convert a big chance,” Hořejš said, adding that with every appearance the forward is making a stronger case for a place in the starting lineup.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
