The Arsenal loanee played a key role as Dortmund recovered from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in Sinsheim.
Ethan Nwaneri made an impressive start to life at Borussia Dortmund as the Arsenal loanee helped his new club complete a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Dortmund appeared to be heading towards defeat after Hoffenheim established a two-goal advantage, but the visitors produced a strong second-half response to turn the game around.
Nwaneri was introduced in the 32nd minute after Filippo Mané was forced off with an injury, giving the 19-year-old his first competitive appearance for the German club.
The England Under-21 international eventually played an important role in Dortmund’s late winner.
Nwaneri makes instant impact in Germany
Hoffenheim took control of the contest and went into half-time ahead after Leon Avdullahu found the net in the 45th minute.
The home side extended their advantage nine minutes into the second half when Tim Lemperle scored to make it 2-0.
Dortmund, however, responded strongly.
Serhou Guirassy pulled one back in the 61st minute before Fabio Silva completed the comeback five minutes later to make it 2-2.
With the match heading towards a draw, Nwaneri produced the moment that ultimately decided the contest.
The former Arsenal youngster delivered the ball into the Hoffenheim penalty area in the 87th minute, and after a deflection, the ball ended up in the net off defender Albian Hajdari.
The goal was officially recorded as an own goal, but Nwaneri’s contribution was crucial in creating the opportunity.
Dortmund complete stunning comeback
The victory means Dortmund have won their opening two Bundesliga matches of the season.
They had started their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hamburg and followed that result with another comeback win on the road.
For Nwaneri, the performance represents an encouraging beginning to his temporary move to Germany.
The teenager joined Dortmund from Arsenal on a season-long loan shortly before the transfer window closed.
He moved to the Bundesliga after spending the second half of last season on loan at French club Marseille.
Nwaneri’s Dortmund opportunity
Nwaneri will now be hoping his debut performance earns him more opportunities under Dortmund manager Niko Kovac.
The German club brought him in to strengthen their attacking options after suffering an injury setback involving summer signing Giannis Konstantelias.
Nwaneri has already gained significant first-team experience despite his young age, having made his Premier League debut for Arsenal as a 15-year-old.
His move to Dortmund provides another opportunity for the highly rated youngster to develop his game in one of Europe’s major leagues.
For Nigerian football supporters, Nwaneri’s progress will also be closely followed because of his Nigerian heritage, despite his representation of England at youth international level.
His decisive involvement against Hoffenheim will therefore be another talking point as he begins his Bundesliga adventure.
Nwaneri eyes bigger role at Dortmund
The youngster could now push for a bigger role in Dortmund’s squad after making such an encouraging first appearance.
While the own goal officially belongs to Hajdari, Nwaneri can take considerable credit for the move that produced the decisive moment.
Dortmund will be pleased with the character shown in recovering from two goals down, while Nwaneri can look back on his Bundesliga debut as a promising first step in his loan spell.
The Arsenal loanee will now look to build on his impressive introduction as Dortmund continue their Bundesliga campaign.