Nigeria striker, Peter Utaka scored a second half goal for Dalian Aerbin to ensure a 1-1 draw with visitors, Hangzhou Greentown, in a Chinese Super League game on Saturday.

The former OB Odense star struck eight minutes after the break to take his tally to six goals in 14 appearances this season.

It was the second time the well built striker would be helping his side avoid defeat in two successive games. Last Sunday, Utaka scored a late equalizer as Dalian rallied back from 2-0 down to forced a 2-2 draw against  Shanghai Shenzua.

 

Utaka, 28, joined Dalian at the start of the campaign and is currently one of two Nigerians in the Chinese topflight - the other is Gabriel Melkam, 32, a defender with bottom side Qingdao Jonoon.They will soon be joined by compatriot Yakubu Aiyegbeni who signed for Guangzhou R&F this week.

The trio is part of a growing list of African stars in the Far East country, including the likes of Ivorian legend, Didier Drogba and Zambian skipper, Chris Katongo.

 

Yakubu, who is the latest arrival, signed a three year contract for Guangzhou and is already looking 

forward to the challenge.

“It’s a new adventure for me after playing in Israel and England,” Yakubu told BBC Sport exclusively on Thursday.I’ve been here for only three days and I can feel the warmth and the attitude of the people.”