Watford's Emmanuel Dennis becomes fourth Nigerian to score on his Premier League debut

SUPER Eagles striker Emmanuel Bonaventure Dennis became the fourth Nigerian player to score on his debut in the English Premier League yesterday when he got the opener in Watford's 3-2 victory over Aston Villa.

Dennis, 23, has joined the exclusive list that includes the likes of John Utaka, Osaze Odemwingie and Odion Ighalo as Nigerian players who scored on their first outing in the English Premier League. Yesterday, the former Belgian Club Brugge striker opened his Premier League account in the 10th minute when he slotted home after his initial shot was blocked.

Playing alongside compatriots William Troost-Ekong and Oghenekaro Etebo in the Hornets starting line up at the Vicarage Road clash, Dennis had a gre3at game until he left the pitch in the 66th minute.  Apart from scoring, he also provided the assist that set up Senegalese forward, Ismaila Sarr, in the 42nd minute to double Watford's advantage.

When Dennis was replaced midway into the second half by Juan Hernandez, he received a standing ovation from the pleased Watford fans. Watford raced into a three nil lead but despite allowing Villa to pull two late goals back , the Hornets still held on for all three points.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho were also on the winning side over the opening weekend as Leicester City defeated Wolves 1-0 at the Foxes Stadium. Jamie Vardy scored the lone winner for Leicester in the 41st minute.