Former Nigeria U23 international Taiwo Awoniyi was delighted to score his maiden goal in a KAA Gent shirt in their 3-1 win over Jagiellonia Bialystok in a UEFA Europa League qualifier on Thursday evening.

The Liverpool loanee had spent 264 minutes on the pitch in five matches before ending his mini goal drought with a header in the 13th minute off an assist from Franko Andrijacevic.

Speaking to reporters post-match, Awoniyi said : ''I am really happy, not only because of that goal, but also because of the victory.

''You can see that Franko is an intelligent player in the way he came to that ball and also perfectly headed back to me, and you also see that he already has a lot of experience.''

Awoniyi was yellow carded after scoring for taking off his jersey and showing a religious message,'Only God safe' on a shirt underneath.

''Of course, you can not just sleep in your home and expect great things. I've been looking forward to it (the goal) for a long time.''

Awoniyi's goal against Jagiellonia Bialystok was the 15th goal he has scored since turning professional, he previously had loan spells at Royal Excel Mouscron, FSV Franfurt and NEC Nijmegen.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : kaagent.be