Awoniyi, Afolayan and Four Nigerians Score in Carabao Cup

Posted : 27 August 2026

Six Nigerian players found the net for their respective clubs in the second round of the 2026/27 Carabao Cup. Taiwo Awoniyi, Oladapo Afolayan, Olebade Aluko, Joshua Ajala, Saheed Olagunju and Bolu Shofowoke all scored during Tuesday's action.

Awoniyi scored his first goal for Coventry City in their 4-2 victory away to Plymouth Argyle. The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the third minute and also provided an assist as Coventry moved into the third round.

Afolayan was also on target for Blackburn Rovers, but his goal was not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat against Sheffield United at Ewood Park. He restored parity after the interval before Romelle Donovan scored the late winner for the visitors.

Olebade Aluko scored his first professional goal for Leicester City in their 3-1 defeat to Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The defender headed Leicester level after Sindre Walle Egeli had opened the scoring, but Marcelino Nunez later scored twice to send Ipswich through.

Joshua Ajala produced one of the standout performances of the night for West Ham United. The teenager scored twice on his full professional debut as the Hammers came from behind to beat Southampton 4-1 at St Mary's.

Ajala headed West Ham level before finding the bottom corner after the restart to put his side ahead. Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen added further goals as West Ham completed a convincing comeback.

Wolverhampton Wanderers also progressed after beating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at Hillsborough. Saheed Olagunju marked his senior debut with a powerful header just before half-time, scoring Wolves' second goal after an early own goal had given the visitors the lead.

Olagunju, 19, also helped Wolves keep a clean sheet on his first-team debut. The academy defender said the occasion was the result of years of hard work and described the goal as a bonus after helping his side secure victory.

Bolu Shofowoke completed the Nigerian scoring list as Peterborough United defeated Watford 5-1 at Vicarage Road. The 17-year-old reacted quickest inside the box to score his first senior goal and help Peterborough complete a major upset against the Championship side.

The results mean Coventry City, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, West Ham United, Wolves and Peterborough have all advanced to the third round. The performances also provide encouraging moments for Nigerian players competing for opportunities in English football.

The Carabao Cup now moves towards the third-round stage, where clubs involved in European competitions enter the competition. The draw has produced several high-profile ties, including Liverpool against Tottenham, Manchester United against Brighton and Manchester City against Norwich City.

Awoniyi, Afolayan and Four Nigerians Score in Carabao Cup

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