The Nigerian Messi? OH Leuven fans crown striker after two solo goals against Charleroi

After struggling to start the season, Nigerian forward Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi finally announced himself in the Belgian Pro League. The imposing forward grabbed two great solo goals against Charleroi at the weekend to give OH Leuven a 2-0 win. Such was the nature of his goals that the clubs fans began chanting Messi at the 23-year-old. It took the man from Lagos 10 games to finally find the net this season, but fans of OH Leuven will be hoping Saturday’s brace is the start of a run of goals for the forward.

Both of his goals were well taken, showing an eye for a finish as well as the ability to drive beyond defenders with speed. Such have been OH Leuven’s struggles to find a consistent scorer this season, Ikwuemesi is now joint top scorer at the club with just two goals. For much of the season so far, head coach Oscar Garcia has been hesitant to play either of his two strikers. Ikwuemesi has now given the former Brighton and Watford head coach a reason to start him consistently. The side face Club Brugge at the weekend, a bigger test for the Nigerian than Charleroi were. If he can score against them, perhaps he can really go on a scoring spree and earn that Messi nickname.

GBeNeFN | Ben Jackson