Nigerian internationals Chidera Ejuke and Kelechi Iheanacho played their part as Sevilla clinched their first win of the La Liga season, a hard-fought 1-0 home defeat of Getafe on Saturday.
Ejuke, who started the match and put in a solid 67-minute shift, was instrumental in Sevilla’s improved attacking display. Although he didn’t get on the scoresheet, the winger’s presence and energy helped the hosts put Getafe’s defence under pressure throughout his time on the pitch.
While Iheanacho was an unused substitute, his presence on the bench added depth to Sevilla’s attacking options, highlighting the growing Nigerian influence in the Spanish top flight.
The decisive moment came midway through the first half, when veteran captain Jesús Navas rolled back the years with a spectacular strike.
The 37-year-old collected the ball from a tight angle and arrowed a perfect shot across goal and into the far top corner, leaving Getafe goalkeeper David Soria in a haze.
Sevilla’s victory was made more impressive by playing the final five minutes with ten men after Juanlu Sánchez received a second yellow card for simulation. Despite this setback, the hosts held firm to secure the win.
The result lifts Sevilla to 12th in the La Liga table, easing early relegation fears following a poor start to the season.
For Ejuke and Iheanacho, it marks a positive step in their Spanish adventure, with both players hoping to build on this result in the coming weeks.
As Sevilla look to clamber up the table, the contributions of their Nigerian contingent will be crucial. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Ejuke can maintain his starting role and if Iheanacho can break into the first team in the upcoming fixtures.
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