Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi: 22-year-old Nigerian sets record in crushing defeat to Juventus

Nigerian youngster Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi was on target as Juventus came from behind to thrash his Salernitana in the Coppa Italia on Thursday night. 

Juventus overcame a shaky start to defeat Salernitana 6-1 in a convincing round of 16 clash to book their spot in the quarterfinal.

Salernitana started positively and took the lead when their little-known Nigerian striker, Ikwuemesi, gave them a shock lead one minute into the match.

The 22-year-old forward bounced on a poor defensive error to fire his side ahead against the Old Lady in Turin.

Ikwuemesi’s goal set a record as the fastest goal conceded by the Italian giants Juventus in all competitions since Miralem Pjanic’s own goal against Genoa in the Serie A in 2017, per OptaPaolo.

Ikwuemesi’s goal was his second in two matches and in the Coppa Italia, with an assist to his name. 

The shocker from the Nigerian proved insufficient in the end for Salernitana as Juventus turned things around remarkably. 

Fabio Miretti started the comeback trail for the Old Lady as he levelled the scoreline in the 11th minute. 

Andrea Cambiaso made it 2-1 after the half-hour mark before Daniele Rugani doubled the advantage in the second half. 

Dylan Bronn’s own goal made it 4-1, with two more goals from Kenan Yildiz and Timothy Weah wrapping up the rout. 

Following the win, Juventus will now host giant killers, Frosinone, who eliminated Victor Osimhen’s SSC Napoli, in the last eight.