Ghana striker, Isaac Boakye struck a brace to help Nurnberg all but book their return to the Bundesliga next season after Thursday's 3-0 win over Energie Cottbus in the first leg of their promotion play-off.

Nurnberg got off to a flying star when Isaac Boakye saw his shot deflect into the net after just 13 minutes.

Christian Eigler doubled the lead on 56 minutes but the former Asante Kotoko striker was again on hand to put Nurnberg in a commanding position for the second leg on Sunday with his second, and his side's third goal a minute from time.

The German Football Federation has brought in the play-off between the side who finished third from bottom of the Bundesliga, Cottbus, and the team which ended third in the second division, Nurnberg.