Two players hoping to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles found themselves on opposite sides of a remarkable Championship contest on Saturday as Wrexham defeated Ipswich Town 5-3 in an unforgettable match at the Racecourse Ground, Soccernet.ng reports.
Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo started for Wrexham and played the full 90 minutes, conceding three goals in a league game for the first time this year. At the other end, forward Chuba Akpom began on the bench for Ipswich before coming on late as his side chased the match.
The afternoon began at a frantic pace despite heavy rain. Wrexham struck first when former Ipswich striker Kieffer Moore powered home early on. Ipswich responded well, equalising through Anis Mehmeti after sustained pressure.
Wrexham regained the lead before half-time through Josh Windass, but Ipswich again fought back. Ivan Azon calmly finished just before the interval to make it 2-2, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced heading into the break.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna had restored many regular starters following cup rotation the previous week, and his side briefly looked in control when Cedric Kipre produced a stunning long-range strike shortly after half-time to give the visitors a 3-2 advantage, their first ever lead at the Racecourse Ground.
Yet the momentum would not last.
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Super Eagles hopefuls involved as Wrexham seal win
Wrexham responded strongly, showing why they remained dangerous throughout the contest. George Thomason equalised midway through the second half after sustained attacking pressure, exposing defensive uncertainty in the Ipswich back line.
The turning point arrived soon after when Callum Doyle headed Wrexham back in front from a corner, punishing Ipswich’s weakness at set pieces. With the visitors pushing forward in search of another comeback, spaces opened across the pitch.
Akpom entered the game in the 81st minute, offering fresh attacking energy for Ipswich. The Nigerian-eligible striker helped create one late chance, but Okonkwo produced an important save to deny the visitors a fourth goal.
As Ipswich committed more players forward, Wrexham struck decisively on the counter-attack. Former Town forward Nathan Broadhead sealed the result with a composed finish to make it 5-3, ending any hopes of a dramatic late rescue.
Despite the result, both Okonkwo and Akpom will keep alive their dreams of helping their respective clubs gain promotion to the Premier League.
Ipswich are in fourth place on the Championship table with 54 points, three more than Wrexham in sixth with both clubs eyeing to seal their playoff spots.
