Nigeria Players Abroad
Akudo Ogbonna makes winning full debut as IFK Kalmar stun Sunnanaa
By Samuel Ahmadu
Nigeria international Akudo Esther Ogbonna made an impressive start to her European career with IFK Kalmar, securing a 2-1 victory against Sunnanaa on Saturday.
Ogbonna, who had only arrived on Thursday to complete her switch to IFK Kalmar from Nigeria Women Football League’s Remo Stars Ladies, signed a short-term contract with the Elitettan side.
Introduced to her new teammates just a day after her long travel from Nigeria, Ogbonna was handed a starting role – wearing jersey number 18, and went on to overcome fatigue from the journey to ensure a clean sheet in her debut, showcasing her defensive prowess.
After a goalless first half, Andrea Thorisson’s 75th-minute goal put the visitors on course for their first away win of the season before they doubled the lead five minutes from time.
The hosts pulled one back inside additional time but was not enough to ruin the visitors’ win.
Ogbonna’s strong debut performance was a promising start to her professional journey in Sweden and provided a vital boost for IFK Kalmar, who secured only their second win in 17 matches this season.
The Nigeria defender will be keen to continue her fine form on home ground when Kalmar play host to Damallsvenskan promotion-chasing Umea on August 30.
