Eliteserien: Young Nigerians star as Kristiansund begin season with dramatic comeback win

Mustapha Isah opened the scoring on Sunday and loan signing Promise Meliga Jr. scored twice to mark a dream debut for Kristiansund BK in the club’s 3-2 Eliteserien victory over Brann SK in Norway’s top flight.

The two Nigerian forwards were instrumental in a surprise victory for KBK, who battled relegation last season but began the 2026 league campaign with a massive result against a club who finished 4th at the conclusion of the 2025 season. 18-year-old Meliga came off the bench to score twice in the final fifteen minutes to complete a dramatic turnaround after Isah opened the scoring with a penalty kick.

Isah got things started inside the opening three minutes when his burst of pace ended with the forward drawing a foul on Brann goalkeeper Matias Dyngeland. The 21-year-old placed his low spot kick just beyond the reach of Dyngeland to give the hosts the lead.

KBK’s direct approach caused plenty of issues for the visitors in the opening round match but Brann fought back, earning a penalty of their own just before halftime that was successfully converted by Joachim Soltvedt. Bard Finne’s close range finish in the 65th minute put Brann ahead to set up a dramatic conclusion.

Meliga sparks marks massive Eliteserien comeback

Meliga, on loan from traditional Norwegian heavyweights Valerenga, came on soon after Brann’s second goal and made a massive impact. In the 84th minute, the match was level after the teenager won the ball off Ghanaian defender Nana Boakye and was left with a simple finish past a helpless Dyngeland.

In stoppage time, the turnaround was complete when Meliga got the slightest of touches to an excellent free kick from Heine Bruseth that was enough to see the ball nestle into the far corner.

 

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At the end of last season, Meliga came on as a substitute for Valerenga in their 3-0 victory over KBK and produced a goal and an assist. With playing time unlikely with his parent club, KBK were more than happy to bring the young winger in on loan to boost their cause. The young talent got his start at Beyond Limits Football Academy in Ogun State and is on loan until July 15.

Isah showed promising signs last season, scoring 8 goals in 34 matches following his arrival from Danish club Randers FC. He began his career with Abuja club Hypebuzz Academy before making his first move to Europe with Randers.