Simy matches Aiyegbeni’s goals record, Norwich promoted as Ekong’s Watford lose

NIGERIAN striker Simeon ‘Simy’ Nwankwo was on target again on Saturday although his Crotone side inched closer to relegation.

Despite Crotone’s 2-1 home defeat to 10-man Udinese, Simy continued on his remarkable goals streak, scoring in his seventh straight Serie A match.

The big striker equalised from the penalty spot in the 68th minute, his goal sandwiched by Rodrigo de Paul’s brace in the 41st and 74th minutes. De Paul was later sent off in added time.

Simy has now scored in each of his last seven league games: the last African player to score in more consecutive appearances in the top five European Leagues was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with Borussia Dortmund in 2015 (10 straight games), according to Opta statistics.

The 28-year-old Super Eagles striker has scored 17 goals in 31 Serie A fixtures for struggling Crotone, becoming the first Nigerian since Yakubu Aiyegbeni to score that many goals in a single season in a top five European league this century.

The defeat sank Crotone deeper into relegation waters and they appear destined for a quick return to Serie B.

They are bottom of the table with just 15 points, 12 points from safety with just eight rounds of games to go.

Meanwhile, William Troost-Ekong and his Watford colleagues lost 1-0 at Luton Town in the Championship as Norwich City sealed their return to the English Premier League.

Norwich, who were relegated last season, were not even in action on Saturday afternoon but results elsewhere meant they can finish no lower than second, which earns them automatic promotion.

Watford, also relegated last season, fell to James Collins’ 78th minute penalty goal. Troost-Ekong played the full game and received a yellow card, while his compatriot Isaac Success was a 46th minute substitute.

Watford are also close to promotion as they are second in the table with 82 points, six points ahead of third-placed Swansea City with four matches left to end the season.