AKABUEZE smashes hat-trick

Nigeria forward Chukwuma Akabueze struck thrice for his team Brann Bergen to win 4-3 at Lillestrom in the Norwegian Tippeligan. These were the first goals by the former Nigeria youth international in the eight-week-old league and he did that within 35 minutes. Akabueze, who has also been capped at full international level, said his treble has set the tone for more goals. "This is the first time I will score this season and it was hat-trick. It was a good sign for me and I am sure more will come to help my team to do well," he said. His goals came in the 10th, 31st and 45th minutes for his hat-trick, which compounded the woes of Lillestrom who are battling for survival. Brann Bergen are 13th on the table with seven points from eight games.