Nigeria U-23 forward Junior Ajayi enhanced his goal scoring pedigree in Tunisia Ligue 1 by scoring the match winning goal for Sfaxien to help them pip bitter rivals Esperance 1-0.
20 year old Ajayi headed the only goal of the game in the 67th minute reacting smartly to a headed pass to direct his effort pass the goalkepper of Esperance.
The goal was his 9th of the season and it keeps Sfaxien three points behind leaders Etoile du Sahel and pulled them further away from Esperance in the race for the CAF Champions league slot as the league approaches the finish line.
Ajayi stole the limelight from his fellow Nigerian Emem Eduok who was returning to the starting line up for Esperance after enduring a torrid last two months,no thanks to injuries which has also limited his appearances this season.
The game had three Nigerians from the start with Kingsley Sokari also starting for Sfaxien, however none of the trio completed the game with Sokari and Ajayi going off in the 70th and 73rd minute respectively.
Eduok lasted just over the hour mark for Esperance who have little or no margin for error in the remaining games in the Tunisia league if they are to secure a top two finish which guarantees CAF Champions league football.
*Daniel Martins