Nigerian striker David Okereke finally ended his seven-game goal drought as relegation-threatened Cremonese played out a 1-1 draw against Hellas Verona on Sunday at the Giovanni Zini Stadium in an Italian Serie A matchday 32 encounter.

Okereke, who joined Cremonese from Club Brugge last summer, had been struggling to find the back of the net for several weeks. However, his perseverance paid off as he netted the opening goal for the hosts in the ninth minute of the game much to the delight of the home fans.

The goal was a testament to Okereke’s skill and determination – capitalising on the defender’s misplaced pass before drilling the last onrushing defender and coolly slotting the ball past the Verona goalkeeper.

Like other games this season where they have led, Cremonese once again failed to hold on for the win as Simone Verdi grabbed the equaliser for the visitors in the 75th minute of the game. Cremonese were reduced to 10-men after substitute Giacomo Quagliata was sent off in the 62nd minute, just eight minutes after he was introduced into the game. 

The result leaves Cremonese in 19th place in the Serie A table, while Verona is 18th. Both sides will be looking to build on their performances in their next games as they seek to climb up the league standings.

Okereke has managed six goals while providing two assists in 28 games. The 25-year-old has struggles with form and consistency this season coupled with spending a bit of time on the sidelines due to muscle injuries.