TORONTO - Ifunanyachi Achara’s return from knee surgery was welcome news on several continents.
The 23-year-old forward took the field for the first time in 515 days when he came off the bench in Toronto FC’s 3-0 loss in Philadelphia on Wednesday night.
Back home in Nigeria, his family was watching.
“They were really excited to watch last night,” he said Thursday. “My mom especially. She was like ‘Just be careful.’ She’s all loving and sweet.”
Achara entered the game in the 60th minute, replacing Richie Laryea.
“He has worked so hard behind the scenes to get himself back in a position where he was able to be ready to step on the field tonight,” captain Michael Bradley said after the game.