Chidera Ejuke makes instant impact as Sevilla beat Athletic Bilbao

Nigerian forward Chidera Ejuke opened his account for the new season by scoring in Sevilla’s 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.

Ejuke came off the bench looking to add greater energy to Sevilla’s attack and quickly made an impact, scoring with one of his first touches to put the visitors 2-0 ahead.

The 28-year-old completed the move with a subtle flick, producing a composed finish that gave Sevilla a two-goal advantage and marked his first goal of the 2026-27 campaign.

The goal provided Ejuke with an encouraging beginning to his third season at Sevilla, where he has gradually become part of the club’s attacking options.

The Nigerian winger joined the Andalusian club on 1 July 2024 from CSKA Moscow and has since continued to establish his place within the team.

His first two seasons in Spain, however, produced relatively modest numbers in front of goal.

Ejuke scored twice during the 2024-25 season before his total dropped to one goal the following campaign.

His effort at San Mamés means he has already matched last season’s league tally at the beginning of the new campaign.

For the Nigerian, that represents a positive start as he looks to take on a greater attacking responsibility for Sevilla.

His goal was also significant because it came during a convincing away victory against Athletic Bilbao, with Sevilla securing a 3-1 result at one of the demanding venues in La Liga.

Ejuke’s contribution temporarily put Sevilla two goals ahead and helped the Andalusian side establish control of the contest.

The forward’s finish therefore carried importance beyond his individual statistics, forming part of a result that gave Sevilla an impressive start to the campaign.

After two seasons in which his goalscoring output remained limited, Ejuke has begun this campaign with an early contribution that could provide momentum for the months ahead.

The Nigerian will now look to build on his goal at Bilbao and turn the positive start into a more productive season.

Having already equalled his total from the previous campaign, Ejuke has an opportunity to improve on his best goalscoring figures since arriving in Seville.

For Sevilla, his early contribution offers another attacking option as they look to build on their 3-1 victory at San Mamés.

For Ejuke, the focus will now be on maintaining his form and making his latest campaign his most productive since joining the club.