The ivorian striker has gone into history as the first African player to score a goal at the 2014 World Cup.

After spending several years on the bench, Ivory Coast striker, Wilfried Bonny has sent a warning message to his detractors and opponents. The Ivorian striker scored his first ever goal at the final phase of the World Cup in a hotly contested encounter against Japan at the Recife Pernambuco Arena on Saturday. The goal enabled the Elephants of Ivory Coast to draw level and then grab the winner through, Gervinho.

Though substituted a few minutes to the end of the encounter, the “equalizing goal” had dual significance. First, to the striker who has been yelling for a first place team having been overshadowed by the enormous impact and influence of Didier Drogba, and to his coach Sabri Lamouchi who took the risk of starting him at the detriment of captain and goal poacher Didier Drogba,

Wilfried’s outstanding performance in last Saturday’s encounter against Japan did not come like a surprise to many sports pundits. Prior to the World Cup tournament, the 25-year-old Ivorian who plays for English Premier League Club Swansea has been in top-form. Apart from netting 26 goals in all competitions this season, the striker with a bag full of experience from Sparta Prague (Czech) and Vitesse (Netherland), contributed enormously to enhance the performance of his team. With the Ivorian team-aging out, it is highly believed that the ‘Bingerville Boy’ (native town), has all it needs to take command at the attacking line. Their second outing against Columbia on Thursday, June 19, will be another opportunity for the Ivorian striker to exhibit his savour-faire. Except injury, he is expected to feature on the starting line-up.