Nigeria winger Chidera Ejuke was adjudged the man of the match as Sevilla recorded a 1-0 victory over Al-Ittihad to win the Antonio Puerta pre-season trophy.
The 26-year-old completed a free transfer to the La Liga outfit following the expiration of his contract at CSKA Moscow.
Having been named in Sevilla’s starting line-up against Al-Ittihad, Ejuke played on the left side of an attacking trio that also featured Isaac Romero and Lucas Ocampos, whose 42nd-minute penalty separated the two teams.
Despite not getting on the score sheet, the Nigeria international was a constant menace on the flanks. The Ejuke’s aggressive play kept Al-Ittihad’s defence busy, while his impressive link-up play helped to open space for his other attacking teammates.
Chidera Ejuke beats Benzema to man of the match award
Ejuke’s impressive performance saw him outshine Karim Benzema, who missed a penalty in the first half when presented with a glorious opportunity to give the Saudi club the lead.
He was replaced in the 64th minute by Suso but Chidera Ejuke’s outstanding display saw him adjudged as the man of the match. In a post on X, the winger said: “Thank you Sevilla FC players. This is our collective effort.”
Ejuke has now started in each of Sevilla’s three pre-season games against Orlando Pirates, Sporting Lisbon and Al-Ittihad, and looks set to play an important role under new manager Javier Garcia Pimienta next season.
