Peter Utaka Powers Kyoto Sanga To Victory In Asia

Veteran Nigerian striker Peter Utaka’s fine goalscoring form on his return to the Japanese top-flight continued as he scored twice in Kyoto Sanga’s 3-1 win at home to Sagan Tosu on Sunday.

Utaka scored 22 and 21 goals in the J2 League in 2020 and 2021, respectively, to help Sanga ascend to the elite division.

And the 38-year-old is ensuring the manager Cho Kwi-jae-led side retains their top-flight status with his sixth goal in eight.

Peter Utaka the younger brother of John Utaka moved to Croatia as a 16-year-old to play in Dinamo Zagreb after trying his luck at Ismaily where his older brother John was a cult figure and in the United Arab Emirates. 

In 2003, he moved to Belgium from Dinamo and signed for K. Patro Eisden Maasmechelen of the 2nd division.

KVC Westerlo moved to sign him the following season, and in his first season in the top flight and the transfer was worth €250,000.

He also played for Royal Antwerpen, Odense Boldklub, Dalian Aerbin, Beijing Guoan, Shimizu, S-Pulse, Sanfrecce Hiroshima.