Nigerian star beats Chukuweze to win best goal in Europe award

In the group stage, the Nigerian striker beats Chukwueze to Europa Conference League's best group-stage goal.

Nigerian striker Yusuf Otubanjo has emerged winner of the UEFA Europa Conference League Goal of the group stage award.

The 30-year-old scored a stunning goal for Armenian top division side Pyunik as they beat Slovakian outfit Slovan Bratislava in a match-day two fixture.

Otubanjo received the ball inside the opposition's half and dribbled past his compatriot Uche Henry Agbo before unleashing a thunderous shot with his right foot into the top-left corner.

The goal by Otubanjo in the 36th minute was Pyunik's second of the game as they held on for a 2-0 victory on Thursday, September 15, 2022.

The goal secured Pyunik's first victory in a UEFA competition although there were unable to progress from group H with just six points from six games.

Group

Following the conclusion of the group stage, UEFA announced the Goal of the Europa Conference League so far.

Otunbajo beat Riccardo Saponara of Fiorentina, Andy Diouf of Basel, and Yanis Hamache of Dnipro to the award.

The Ijebu Ode-born star also beat is compatriot Samuel Chukwueze's goal for Villarreal against Lech to emerge the winner of the award.

The Europa Conference League announced the winner with a message that said, "The results are in... 🥁🏅 Yusuf Otubanjo wins Goal of the Group Stage for his GOLAZO against Slovan Bratislava!." 

His club Pyunick also celebrated the achievement with a message that said, "The goal of our striker Yusuf Otubanjo was named as the best goal of the group stage of the @europacnfleague!

"This recognition is a great reward for Otu's work, but it would have been impossible without your support, thank you."

Otubanjo featured for the Golden Eaglets and Gateway United F.C. in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) before moving abroad.