18yo striker Victor Orakpo makes home debut for OGC Nice in historic 8-0 drubbing of Saint-Etienne

Nigerian striker Victor Orakpo was a second half substitute as OGC Nice thrashed Saint-Etienne 8-0 in a French Ligue 1 encounter at the Allianz Riviera on Friday, September 20.

Les Aiglons were already leading by six goals at half-time, courtesy of a Dylan Batubinsika own goal, Tanguy Ndombélé, Mohamed-Ali Cho, Youssoufa Moukoko (2) and Evann Guessand. 

Nice became the first team to score at least six goals in the first half of a Ligue 1 game in the 21st century , according to the statisticians at OPTA.

In the second half, OGC Nice scored two more goals, with Sofiane Diop and Pablo Rosario getting their names on the scoresheet,

They equaled their record  for goals scored in a Ligue 1 match, sixty-seven years after their victory by the same score against Sedan, in September 1957.

With thirteen minutes remaining, Orakpo came off the bench to replace Mohamed-Ali Cho

Having joined the B team of OGC Nice from Nigerian grassroots club VOE Football Academy in January 2024, Orakpo was integrated into the first team after his impressive performances during pre-season.

The 18-year-old announced himself as one for the future by netting against Turkish outfit Rizespor and Premier League new boys Ipswich Town in pre-season friendlies. 

Orakpo made his Ligue 1 debut off the bench on the opening round of the season at Auxerre, before featuring in another away match at Angers SCO on September 1.

Friday's clash against Saint-Etienne was his home debut for OGC Nice,, whom he is contracted to until June 30, 2028, having signed a contract extension last month. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: ogcnice.com

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