N430 billion gone: Nigerian RB and Sheffield United beaten by Sunderland in 'football's richest game'

Manchester-born Nigerian right-back Femi Seriki made a late appearance as Sheffield United fell 2-1 to Sunderland in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on Saturday, missing out on a lucrative return to the English Premier League.

Dubbed 'the richest game in football,' the playoff final carries a financial windfall of at least £200 million (approximately ₦430 billion), according to the BBC.

But the Blades were left empty-handed after a dramatic second-half turnaround by Sunderland.

Tyrese Campbell gave Sheffield United an early advantage in the 25th minute, finishing off a counter-attack launched from a Sunderland corner.

There was no surprise to see Gustavo Hamer play his part in the goal with a fabulous assist.

Harrison Burrows appeared to double the lead in the 33rd minute, but VAR ruled out the goal after determining that Vini Souza was offside in the build-up.

Sunderland clawed their way back in the second half. In the 76th minute, Patrick Roberts threaded a clever pass through to Eliezer Mayenda, who fired into the roof of the net to level the score.

The decisive blow came deep into stoppage time. A misplaced pass from Kieffer Moore was intercepted by Tom Watson, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Michael Cooper to secure Sunderland’s promotion and end their eight-year absence from the Premier League.

Seriki, who featured in 25 Championship matches during the regular season, missed the playoff semifinal against Bristol City.

He was introduced in the seventh minute of added time to replace Anel Ahmedhodzic, who was forced off with a head injury.

The result marks a bitter end to Sheffield United's campaign and leaves Seriki and his teammates facing another season in England's second tier.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: sufc.co.uk

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