Maribor took the lead through Marcos Tavares before Nweakaeme equalised with a screamer.

The Nigerian pounced on a half clearance by a Maribor defender before releasing a first-time shot which beat the goalkeeper.

Shir Tzedek got the winner for the home side from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time.

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The Nigerian striker and his compatriot John Ogu was on for 90 minutes of the game.

After the game, Ogu was already looking forward to Be'er Sheva’s league game on Sunday.

“Work continues. We will keep working hard to improve. Onto the League starting on Saturday. Thanks to our fans last night for the support,” the 29-year-old midfielder wrote.

The Nigerian players are just one game- the second leg at Maribor next week- away from the group stage of the Champions League.