Nigerian rising star Ukaki Ehije grabbed the spotlight once again as he scored a vital equalizer for Botev Plovdiv in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Lokomotiv Sofia in a Bulgarian First League clash held on Friday, April 18, 2025.
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Playing away at the Lokomotiv Stadium in Sofia, Botev Plovdiv found themselves under pressure early on. The hosts took the lead in the 34th minute through a sharp finish from their forward, capitalizing on a misjudged clearance in the Botev defense.
But Botev came out with renewed energy in the second half, and it was 18-year-old Ukaki Ehije who provided the spark. In the 57th minute, after a clever exchange of passes in midfield, the ball found its way to the Nigerian teenager, who calmly slotted home from just inside the box to silence the home crowd and level the score.
The goal was Ehije’s second of the season, and once again highlighted his composure and instincts inside the final third.
Speaking after the match, Ehije said:
“It felt amazing to score again. I’m just focused on helping the team, and when the chance came, I took it. We wanted all three points, but we’ll take the draw and keep pushing.”
Botev head coach Dusan Kerkez also praised the young striker:
“Ukaki is a special talent. He’s working hard, listening, and stepping up in big moments. We believe in his potential.”
The draw sees Botev Plovdiv maintain their spot in the top half of the table, while Lokomotiv Sofia continue their battle to avoid relegation pressure.
With consistent performances like this, Ehije is quickly becoming a fan favorite and one of the most talked-about young imports in the Bulgarian league.
