Super Eagles suffer more heartbreak as Chinaezepere Dorgu celebrates Denmark debut with a goal

Patrick Dorgu celebrates his debut goal for Denmark | Imago

Super Eagles suffer more heartbreak as Chinaezepere Dorgu celebrates Denmark debut with a goal

Ayoola Kelechi 23:59 - 05.09.2024

The Nigeria-eligible star took only one minute to make the Super Eagles regret missing out on his talents

Nigeria's national football team has once again lost out on a talented dual-national, as Denmark's Patrick Chinaezepere Dorgu made his debut for Denmark after choosing to represent the Danish Dynamite over the Super Eagles.

Dorgu chooses Denmark over Nigeria

Dorgu, who was born in Denmark to a Nigerian father and a Swedish mother, was eligible to play for Nigeria through his father and Sweden through his mother but chose to represent the country of his birth.

Patrick Dorgu on his debut for Denmark | Imago
Patrick Dorgu on his debut for Denmark | Imago Patrick Dorgu on his debut for Denmark | Imago

After playing for Denmark’s U18, U19, U20, and U21 sides, Dorgu finally made his debut for the senior side in a hard-fought 2-0 win over Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League.

The Lecce full-back had only just received his first-ever call-up for Denmark after convincing caretaker manager Lars Knudsen of his quality with important performances at left-back for the Serie A club.

Patrick Dorgu coming on for his Denmark debut | Imago
Patrick Dorgu coming on for his Denmark debut | Imago Patrick Dorgu coming on for his Denmark debut | Imago

Nigeria’s loss was Denmark’s gain as Dorgu dazzled on his debut, scoring after only one minute on the pitch.

Dorgu leads Denmark to victory

With Denmark and Switzerland tied late in the second half, Dorgu came on as a substitute for Victor Nelsson almost 30 minutes after the visitors had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Nico Elvedi.

Patrick Dorgu celebrates with Pierre Emile Hoberg | Imago
Patrick Dorgu celebrates with Pierre Emile Hoberg | Imago Patrick Dorgu celebrates with Pierre Emile Hoberg | Imago

After coming on in the 81st minute, it took Dorgu less than a minute to stamp his authority on the fixture as he scored the opening goal of the match after a brilliant assist from fellow substitute Andreas Skov Olsen.

Following Dorgu’s goal, Switzerland capitulated under the pressure and were reduced to nine men after captain Granit Xhaka received his marching orders for a second yellow card.

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Denmark captain Pierre Emil Hojbjerg showed Xhaka what it meant to be a leader, netting his side’s second goal of the game to ensure that the three points went to the Dynamite.

Next, Dorgu will be hoping to impress again when Denmark play the second of their two matches of the international break against Serbia.