EFL Trophy final : Ihiekwe's goal helps Rotherham beat Sutton; 4 other Nigeria-eligible players feature

Published: April 03, 2022

Rotherham United have won the Papa John's Trophy, beating Sutton United 4-2 after extra-time at Wembley Stadium on Sunday with five players of Nigerian descent tasting action.

Liverpool academy product Michael Ihiekwe and Joshua Kayode started for the Millers, David Ajiboye was on the pitch from the very beginning for Sutton United, while ex-Flying Eagles invitee Freddie Ladapo and Isaac Olaofe came off the bench on the hour mark and 67th minute respectively.

Ladapo, who has tallied fifteen goals in all competitions this term, didn't start the game because he recently recovered from injury and was short on match fitness.

Donovan Wilson slotted into the bottom corner to break the deadlock in the 30th minute but Rotherham United responded through Ben Wiles who looped the ball over the goalkeeper three minutes before halftime, assisted by Kayode.

Eastmond scored from pointblank range for 2-1 and the Yellows thought they had their hands on the trophy only for Osei-Tutu to egualise n the sixth minute of stoppage time to take the game to extra-time.

Nigerian-born Republic of Ireland international Chiedozie Ogbene gave Rotherham the lead for the first time in the game with a screamer from 25 yards in the 96th minute, after he was set up by Ladapo.

At minute 112, Ihiekwe rose highest to head home a corner and wrapped up the scoring .

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : themillers.co.uk

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