Carabao Cup: Awoniyi, Afolayan and Ajala among Nigerian scorers in second-round ties

Nigerian-eligible players made a significant impact in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, with Taiwo Awoniyi, Oladapo Afolayan, Joshua Ajala, Olabade Aluko, Saheed Olagunju and Bolu Shofowoke all finding the net for their respective clubs.

Awoniyi scored his first goal for Coventry City as the Sky Blues recorded an impressive 4-2 victory against League One side Plymouth Argyle.

The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the third minute and soon turned provider as Coventry built a two-goal advantage. Awoniyi was substituted with 20 minutes remaining, but his contribution helped the club progress to the next round.

At Ewood Park, Afolayan scored for Blackburn Rovers in their 2-1 defeat by Sheffield United.

The Super Eagles hopeful brought Blackburn level shortly after half-time, curling an excellent shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Sheffield United, however, secured victory through a late goal from Romelle Donovan, ensuring they advanced in the competition.

Aluko was also on target despite Leicester City being beaten 3-1 by Ipswich Town at Portman Road.

The strong and physical defender rose highest in the penalty area to meet a corner and powered a header into the net during the second half. His goal gave Leicester hope of a comeback, but Ipswich remained in control and completed a comfortable win.

Olagunju helped Wolverhampton Wanderers overcome Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 in a hard-fought contest.

The youngster gave Wolves a two-goal advantage before half-time with a well-directed header that found the bottom corner. His goal provided an important cushion as Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their place in the next round.

Ajala delivered one of the standout performances of the evening as West Ham United beat Southampton 4-1 at St Mary’s Stadium.

He equalised towards the end of the first half after rising above the defence to head in from a corner. Ajala continued to influence the match after the interval, scoring again with a finish into the bottom-right corner to put West Ham 2-1 ahead.

West Ham then went on to complete a convincing victory.

There was also a first senior goal for Peterborough United from 17-year-old Shofowoke, who scored the fourth goal in a commanding 5-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road.

Shofowoke reacted quickest inside the penalty area and finished from close range. It was his first senior goal for the club and formed part of a dominant performance by Peterborough United.

The results ensured Coventry City, Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Ham United and Peterborough United all progressed to the next round, while Blackburn Rovers, Leicester City, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth Argyle and Watford were eliminated.