Okereke: Nigeria star sent off from bench as Fabregas’ Como hammer Cremonese to seal Serie A relegation

Former Nigeria youth international David Okereke suffered a bleak conclusion to the 2025‑26 Serie A campaign when he was sent off from the substitutes’ bench during Cremonese’s 4‑1 loss to Como 1907 on Sunday night, according to Afrik‑Foot.

The decisive result at the Stadio Giovanni Zini confirmed Cremonese’s relegation to Serie B, just one year after returning to Italy’s top flight, while Cesc Fàbregas steered Como to a historic UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

Como seized control of the match in the 35th minute when Jesús Rodríguez fired a shot that was heavily deflected by Alberto Grassi before finding the net. Five minutes after the restart, Rodríguez provided a pass that allowed Anastasios Douvikas to slot in his 14th league goal of the season.

Nigeria and Cremonese star David Okereke. Copyright: xFrancoxRomanox IMAGO

The hosts found a glimmer of hope in the 54th minute when veteran striker Jamie Vardy was brought down inside the area. Federico Bonazzoli converted the penalty to cut the deficit and lift the home crowd.

However, the game unraveled for Cremonese midway through the second half. Referee Fabio Maresca awarded a second penalty in the 70th minute after another collision inside the penalty area, sparking protests from players and staff.

Okereke and Cremonese’s three red cards in two minutes

The chaotic scenes turned ugly as Cremonese lost discipline at the worst possible moment of the season. Alberto Grassi was shown a red card first in the 70th minute for dissent, followed by Milan Čurić and Okereke, who were dismissed moments later for continued protests from the touchline.

Okereke never even stepped onto the pitch. The Nigerian forward was sent off directly from the bench after confronting the referee over the controversial decision. His dismissal highlighted a frustrating and difficult campaign under coach Marco Giampaolo.

Nigeria and Cremonese star David Okereke. Copyright: xFrancoxRomanox IMAGO

Lucas Da Cunha punished the ten‑man hosts by converting the penalty in the 73rd minute and adding another goal seven minutes later to complete Como’s emphatic 4‑1 victory.

The red card capped a miserable season for Okereke, marked by injuries, limited opportunities and long spells outside the first‑team picture. After returning from his loan at Gaziantep FK, the former Club Brugge striker managed only 10 Serie A appearances, with just three starts.

Despite scoring twice late in the campaign, including goals against Fiorentina and Pisa, the 27‑year‑old could not prevent Cremonese’s relegation. His season ended in frustration as Como celebrated one of the club’s greatest nights under Fàbregas.