15-yr After Retirement Ex-Eagles Striker Nets Four Against European Giants, Tops Scoring Charts

15-yr After Retirement Ex-Eagles Striker Nets Four Against European Giants, Tops Scoring Charts 

By Niyi Busari 

Former Super Eagles striker Benedict Akwuegbu enjoyed an emotional return to Austria as he finished as the highest goal scorer at a charity tournament featuring several prominent European clubs, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Akwuegbu turned out for his former side, Sturm Graz, at the four-day event held in Graz in late December, where ex-players from top clubs including Bayern Munich, St. Pauli, Rapid Wien and Admiral Wacker reunited for the invitational competition.

The former Nigeria international scored four goals during the tournament — finding the net once each against Bayern Munich, St. Pauli, Rapid Wien and Admiral Wacker — to finish as the event’s leading marksman.

The tournament, staged from December 27 to 30, brought together eight teams made up of former stars from leading European clubs and national sides. It attracted thousands of spectators eager to relive classic moments from familiar names in European football.

Speaking after the competition, Akwuegbu described the experience as deeply special, particularly reconnecting with fans in a city where he enjoyed some of the finest moments of his career.

“It was a fantastic reunion with the fans in Graz,” Akwuegbu told BSNSports.com.ng. “I was happy to show the kind of form I had when I won the league title, the FA Cup and the Super Cup with Sturm Graz.”

The former striker also reflected on how his time at the Austrian club played a decisive role in his international career with Nigeria.

“My performances at Sturm Graz helped me earn my first Super Eagles call-up,” he said. “I scored 15 goals in 30 matches, including two against AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, and I was voted the club’s Best Player.”

The competition was divided into two groups, with Bayern Munich, Rapid Wien, Admiral Wacker and the Croatian national team placed in Group One. Hosts Sturm Graz were drawn in Group Two alongside Old Violets, GAK and St. Pauli.

Akwuegbu led the line for Sturm Graz in their opening group match against St. Pauli on December 27, setting the tone for a memorable tournament.

Organisers confirmed that at least 4,000 spectators attended the matches over the four days. Other notable former players who featured included Kulovits, Bazina, Junuzović, Liendl and Sabitzer.