Urhoghide Scores First MLS Goal in Victory Against Messi’s Inter Miami
Osaze Urhoghide, former Celtic centre-back, celebrated his first Major League Soccer (MLS) goal as FC Dallas Miami 4-3 in a thrilling contest on Sunday night.
The 24 year old defender struck in the 64th minute, reacting swiftly after his initial header from a free kick was blocked. Pouncing on the loose ball inside the penalty area, Urhoghide smashed it into the net, marking a memorable moment in his American career.
Signed in February 2025 for a record fee, Urhoghide became FC Dallas’ highest paid defender, agreeing to a four-year deal with an optional fifth year. His goal against Inter Miami not only underlined his defensive resilience but also showcased his ability to contribute offensively.
Urhoghide, who had previously trained with Nigeria’s U23 squad, is reportedly keen to represent the Super Eagles at senior level. With the Unity Cup in London fast approaching and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers looming, he aims to catch the eye of Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle.
Inter Miami sorely missed the presence of Lionel Messi, who was absent from the matchday squad. Without their talisman, Miami struggled to find their usual attacking rhythm and suffered a frustrating defeat that leaves them fifth in the Eastern Conference with 18 points from nine games.
Editorial
We find Osaze Urhoghide’s breakthrough in the MLS both heartening and timely. Scoring your first goal for a new club is always a defining moment, especially for a defender whose primary role lies at the back. His sharp instincts in the penalty area demonstrated the type of tenacity and hunger that could serve the Super Eagles well.
FC Dallas’ investment in Urhoghide appears increasingly shrewd. Paying a record fee for a defender always carries risks, but his rapid adaptation suggests that he could soon emerge as a cornerstone of their backline. For Nigerian football, his rise offers another exciting option as preparations intensify for future international competitions.
We believe Urhoghide’s desire to represent Nigeria reflects a growing trend among diaspora talents seeking to connect with their roots. His ambition to don the green and white jersey deserves encouragement, and performances like this one make a strong case for his inclusion.
The absence of Lionel Messi undoubtedly tilted the balance in Dallas’ favour, but Urhoghide still had to step up and seize his moment. And seize it he did with bravery, instinct, and determination. As Nigerian fans, we eagerly watch to see if this goal marks the beginning of an illustrious chapter for Urhoghide on both club and international stages.
Did You Know?
- Osaze Urhoghide was born in the Netherlands but moved to England at a young age.
- He made his professional debut for Sheffield Wednesday before joining Celtic.
- FC Dallas play their home matches at Toyota Stadium, which seats over 20,000 fans.
- Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
- The MLS regular season typically runs from late February to October, followed by playoffs for the title.
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