Nigerian Teen Ukaki Ehije nets vital equalizer for Botev Plovdiv in draw

By Dayo Awoniyi

Nigerian teenage sensation Ukaki Ehije came to the rescue for Botev Plovdiv on Saturday, scoring a clutch equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Lokomotiv Sofia in the Bulgarian First League.

Playing away at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Sofia, Botev fell behind in the 34th minute after a defensive error allowed the hosts to seize the advantage. However, the visitors emerged stronger in the second half, with 18-year-old Ehije stepping up once again in a big moment.

The Nigerian forward, already earning plaudits for his maturity and technical ability, found the back of the net in the 57th minute. After a slick midfield build-up, Ehije calmly finished from the edge of the box to silence the home supporters and secure a point for his side.

“It felt amazing to score again,” Ehije said post-match. “I’m just focused on helping the team, and when the chance came, I took it. We wanted all three points, but we’ll take the draw and keep pushing.”

Botev head coach Dusan Kerkez lauded the young striker’s growing influence: “Ukaki is a special talent. He’s working hard, listening, and stepping up in big moments. We believe in his potential.”

The result keeps Botev Plovdiv in the top half of the table as they push for European qualification, while Lokomotiv Sofia continue to hover near the relegation zone.

Ehije’s rise has been a bright spot for Botev this season, with fans and pundits alike tipping him as one of the league’s most exciting young imports.