Messi’s magic spoils day for Nigeria’s Agada; Super Eagles star enjoys first Champions Cup win

Two Nigerian players, William Agada and Obinna Nwobodo, were in action as the Concacaf Champions Cup resumed on Thursday, February 20, 2025, Soccernet.ng reports.

Agada featured as a second-half substitute, but his Sporting KC side fell to a narrow 1-0 home defeat against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City.

Messi produced the game’s defining moment in the 56th minute, showing his trademark brilliance. The Barcelona legend controlled a lofted pass from Sergio Busquets on his chest, expertly brought it down, dribbled past his marker, and drilled a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner.

Another look at Messi’s goal off the ball from Busquets pic.twitter.com/YfqDmzp1gb

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 20, 2025

Six minutes after Messi’s goal, Agada was introduced, replacing Serbian forward Dejan Joveljić. However, the 25-year-old, who last scored for Sporting KC in a 2-1 MLS defeat to FC Dallas on October 20, 2024, couldn’t find the equalizer.

Sporting KC will look to bounce back this weekend against Austin FC before their second-leg clash with Inter Miami next week.

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While Agada and Sporting KC struggled, Obinna Nwobodo enjoyed a triumphant night as he helped Cincinnati secure a commanding 4-1 away victory over Motagua.

Nigeria and FC Cincinnati star Obinna Nwobodo. Photo by IMAGO
The 28-year-old Nigeria international was a dominant force in midfield as Cincinnati, level at 1-1 at halftime, stormed to a second-half blitz at Estadio José de la Paz Herrera Uclés in Tegucigalpa.

Feels soooo good pic.twitter.com/VCKCFKWFB6

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) February 20, 2025

The return leg is scheduled for February 27 at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Nigeria and FC Cincinnati star Obinna Nwobodo. Photo by IMAGO
Meanwhile, Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun celebrated her professional debut in Dallas Trinity’s 1-1 draw at home to Tampa Bay Sun in the USL Super League.

Congratulations to two of our newest midfielders, Lexi Missimo and Deborah Abiodun, who both made their professional debuts this past Saturday! pic.twitter.com/bYA426IvnT

— Dallas Trinity FC (@dallastrinityfc) February 20, 2025

Abiodun, who finished her collegiate career with honours at Pittsburgh Panthers last year, was signed by Washington Spirit in January before being loaned to Dallas Trinity for the 2025 season to gain experience.

She started on the bench but was introduced in the 43rd minute to replace an injured teammate.

Expressing her excitement on Twitter, Abiodun wrote:

“Back to doing what I’m crazily in love with. ⚽️ First professional one, so thankful for every opportunity.”

Back to doing what I’m crazily in love with. ⚽️ First professional one, so thankful for every opportunity. @dallastrinityfc ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MTbJxRDcVb

— Abiodun Deborah (@Abiodundebby100) February 20, 2025

Dallas Trinity will return to action on Saturday when they host Spokane Zephyr at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.

From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.