Niko Kovač lauds Carney Chukwuemeka after Dortmund beat Sabah in Champions League

Kovač praises Chukwuemeka's effort in first Dortmund start

Carney Chukwuemeka earned high praise from Borussia Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač after the midfielder impressed in a 2-1 UEFA Champions League victory over Azerbaijan's Sabah FK.

With Konstantinos Karetsas absent, Chukwuemeka started for Dortmund, the first start of his career for the club. The 23-year-old had made five appearances across all competitions this season before the match. He lined up in midfield alongside Joey Veerman and Felix Nmecha, with the three interchanging positions throughout the game.

Chukwuemeka created five chances, more than any other player on the pitch. Kovač was quick to highlight the Austrian's work without the ball as well.

"He did really well. I also thought he did well defensively. He really made an effort and sought out challenges."

Dortmund return to winning ways

The result ended a run of dropped points for Dortmund, who had drawn 2-2 with Werder Bremen, lost 1-0 to Bodø/Glimt and drawn 0-0 with Union Berlin before the trip to Baku.

Serhou Guirassy was the match-winner, scoring twice to take his Champions League tally to four goals in three games in the 2026/27 season.