Little known Nigerian striker Origbaajo Ismail ensured his new side Kyoto Sanga beat Machida Zelvia 2-1 in a J2 League clash today.
The Ilorin-born striker struck in the 50th minute soon after coming on for his debut after the break to sink the visitors as the J2 League returned after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics break.
Last season’s top scorer Peter Utaka had opened scoring for his 12th goal of the season in the 13th minute, before the visitors evened scores just before the recess.
Kyoto Sanga maintained their top spot with 51 points from 23 games as they continue to push for the J2 League title and an automatic return to J1 League.
The lanky striker, who had enjoyed a sweet goal scoring record for J3 League side Fukushima United, teamed up with his Nigerian compatriot and record top scorer Utaka this season.
Ismail has been in Japan since 2019 and has maintained an impressive goal scoring record, netting 25 times in 66 league appearances for Fukushima United.
The 23-year old striker stands at 1.88 metres tall, may have joined the pro ranks from Nigeria where he played non-league football.
Quick on the mark, Ismail could strike fear in opposing defenders and hates to waste time to take chances.
That he demonstrated in his debut game, helping himself with the winner with the club’s arrowhead’s early minute effort well complemented.
