Nigeria’s out of favoured striker, Ikechukwu Uche, has won Mexican Cup less than six months after joining Tigres UANL from Spanish side, Villarreal.
The Felinos defeated Pumas UNAS 4-3 on penalties in the early hours of Monday to be crowned Liga MX champions for the fourth time in their history.
Uche, who scored on his debut for the Latino club, however missed the clash with an injury but was part of the history making side.
The former Getafe striker has had a bit-part season since making the move from Spain – suffering a relapse of his knee injury. And has not been called to the national team since Sunday Oliseh took over the reigns of Super Eagles from Stephen Keshi last June.
Tigres came into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage and a big mountain for Pumas to climb at the Olimpico Universitario Stadium in Mexico City.
The miraculous comeback started in the 45th minute when Eduardo Herrera scored right before the half to re-ignite life back into the hearts of Pumas and their fans.
Matias Bristos and Silvio Torales completed the comeback to send the tie to extra time.
French striker, Andre-Pierre Gignac, scored in the 108th minute to give Tigres a goal advantage at 4-3 before Gerardo Alcoba equalised 11 minutes later.
Tigres then went ahead to win on penalties to inflict a sixth loss in a Liga MX final on Pulmas, the second most in the Mexican League’s history.
Their fourth title in history means Tigres becomes the 10th team in Liga MX to accomplish such a feat.
By Olisemeka Obeche (with agency reports)