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Super Falcons striker Vivian Ikechukwu showcased her clinical finishing with a superb brace, but her heroics weren’t enough to save Santos Laguna from a high-scoring 5-3 defeat to UNAM Pumas in their Liga MX Femenil Apertura clash on Tuesday night.

The former Rivers Angels star gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about early on, striking in the 9th minute to give Santos an equalizer. Displaying the predatory instincts that have defined her career, Ikechukwu pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home her opener with composure.

The Nigerian international doubled her tally just 13 minutes later, expertly converting a chance in the 22nd minute to make it 2-2 for Santos Laguna after Pumas had scored earlier.

However, despite Ikechukwu’s brilliance, Santos struggled defensively. Pumas, showing their pedigree and attacking depth, responded with a flurry of goals to seize control of the match. The visitors’ relentless pressure and incisive counterattacks proved too much for Santos, who eventually succumbed to a 5-3 defeat in an end-to-end contest.

The loss leaves Santos Laguna 15th in the league standings, underlining the team’s struggles this season despite flashes of individual brilliance from players like Ikechukwu.

Tuesday’s performance was a clear signal of her determination to help Santos turn their season around.

Santos Laguna will be desperate to regroup and find defensive stability as they continue their Apertura campaign, while Ikechukwu’s goals could prove vital in helping the team climb the table in the coming weeks.