Esther Okoronkwo makes goalscoring debut in Tenerife victory over Sporting Huelva

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward Esther Okoronkwo scored her first goal in her first-ever competitive game for UDG Tenerife as they secured a 2-0 win against Sporting Huelva in their 2023/2024 Spanish Liga F campaign opener on Sunday.

The visitors from Huelva started the game on a bright note forcing Aline Reis to make the first save of the match.

Nigeria-eligible forward, Rinsola Babajide had the first chance of the game for the host after receiving a pass from Ivorian forward, Koko Ange and raced into the box before her effort was saved by English goalkeeper, Chelsea Ashurst.

From a corner kick by Sandra Hernandez in the 33rd minute, UDG Tenerife broke the deadlock as Belgian midfielder, Jassina Blom poked home the opener.

Huelva tried to get the equaliser to no avail throughout the first period. They similarly started the second half in search of the leveler.

Koko had a gilt-edged chance of doubling the lead for the host but her effort from a cross went over the bar.

Ten minutes before full time, a long ball from Argentine defender, Agustina Barroso located Okoronkwo whose attempt hit the top right corner to double the lead.

Okoronkwo who joined UDG Tenerife opened her goal account after replacing Blom in the 74th minute.

Her compatriot, Gift Monday played the full 90 minutes from her new left wing-back position.

Babajide was replaced by Beatriz Beltran Sanz in the 62nd minute. UDG Tenerife moved to the third position on the table ahead of a tough clash with Real Madrid on October 1, 2023.