Getafe and Athletic Bilbao opened the LaLiga season in Spain by playing a 1-1 draw at the San Mames stadium, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Playing in front of their fans, Bilbao took the lead when Oihan Sancet rifled home a low shot from the edge of the box in the 27th minute. A lead they protected going into the half time break.
Four minutes after an hour into the game, relatively unknown Nigerian midfielder Uche Chrisantus who was surprisingly deployed higher up the pitch in an attacking role drew Getafe level.
He rose highest from a free kick to power home a well placed header introducing himself to the Spanish top flight with a debut goal. He joined the team in the summer from 3rd division side Cueta.
The 20 year old was a part of the Nigeria U23 team last year while playing for Moralo in the Spanish fifth division. Third division Cueta picked him up after a season there with the intention of integrating him into their youth team, but he blew their thoughts away and was instantly made a part of the first team by coach José Juan Romero.
He played in all but two games last season making a total of 22 appearances from a possible 24. One of the games he missed was due to technical issues, while the other was down to serving a suspension for accumulated bookings. He played 90 minutes in every game last season.
Uche only left the Nigerian city of Owerri two years ago to begin his career abroad making his rise to the top league in Spain from the fifth division more astonishing, but also a testament to his ability which is aided by his physique aside other attributes.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
