Friday Etim continued his impressive scoring form as FC Midtjylland beat Lyngby 3-2 on Sunday to move top of the Danish Superliga, with the Nigerian forward’s growing influence potentially strengthening his case for a Super Eagles call-up.
The 24-year-old struck shortly after half time at the MCH Arena to help Midtjylland return to winning ways following their 1-0 defeat to St Truiden in the Conference League. His latest contribution took his tally to seven goals and three assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season.
The immediate reward for Etim was another important contribution to his club’s campaign. But as his performances continue to attract attention, the prospect of earning recognition at international level is becoming an increasingly compelling subplot.
Midtjylland made a positive start and took the lead in the 17th minute through Gue-Sung Cho. Lyngby responded when Simon Colyn equalised in the 32nd minute, but Philip Billing converted a penalty just before half-time to restore the hosts’ advantage.
Etim extended Midtjylland’s lead three minutes into the second half, finding the net to make it 3-1 and put his side in control.
Lyngby refused to give up, with Gustav Fraulo reducing the deficit through a free kick in the 89th minute to set up a tense finish. Midtjylland, however, held on to secure all three points.
The victory lifted Midtjylland to the top of the Danish Superliga standings with 28 points from 12 matches. Lyngby remained 11th on eight points after suffering their sixth defeat of the campaign.
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Etim’s progress has followed a journey marked by persistence and setbacks.
Born in Lagos, the forward developed through Nigerian football before moving to Portugal, where he joined FC Vizela in 2021. He progressed through the club’s under-23 setup before moving into senior football and later continuing his development at CD Mafra.
His career subsequently took him to Denmark and Midtjylland. A loan spell at FC Fredericia in January 2026 gave him an opportunity for regular football, and he scored five goals in 14 league appearances before returning to his parent club.
The road was not always smooth. Etim has spoken about unsuccessful trials in Norway, the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a knee injury during his time at Mafra.
In an interview published by Midtjylland earlier this month, he reflected on the challenges and his determination to keep working until another opportunity arrived.
His recent performances suggest that perseverance is beginning to pay off, with his goals and assists giving him an increasingly meaningful role in Midtjylland’s campaign.
Could Etim’s form bring a Super Eagles opportunity?
Etim’s scoring run could also strengthen his argument for a place in Nigeria’s senior national team. His latest goal adds to that case, taking his contribution to seven goals and three assists in 19 appearances across all competitions.
Nigeria’s attacking options are competitive, and club form alone does not guarantee an international invitation. However, maintaining this level of productivity in European football would give Etim a stronger platform from which to attract the attention of the national team selectors.
The opportunity remains a possibility making consistency at club level crucial if Etim is to turn growing attention into a place in the Super Eagles squad.
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Midtjylland will look to build on their league victory when they host OB in the Danish Cup on Thursday.
With the team now at the top of the Superliga standings, Etim will hope to carry his scoring form into the cup fixture and continue making a case for a bigger role.
His goal against Lyngby was another valuable contribution to Midtjylland’s push in Denmark. If he can sustain that output, the benefits may extend beyond his club campaign, with a potential Super Eagles opportunity becoming an increasingly interesting prospect to follow.
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