The 2022/2023 English Premier League, EPL season opener saw eight Nigerian players representing their respective clubs, Joe Aribo who made his switch to Southampton from Rangers made his first EPL start for the saints in a 4 – 1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, Awoniyi’s silent debut, here we take a look at how all Nigerian players fared in the English topflight match day 1.
Nigerians in EPL for the 2022/2023 season include Joe Aribo, Tosin Adarabioyo, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Frank Onyeka, Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi, Carney Chukwuemeka.
Joe Aribo’s Saint took the lead in the 12th minute through their captain but fell like a pile of cards to a well-drilled Conte’s Spurs with a 4-1 scoreline at White Hart Lane.
Tosin Adarabioyo was at the heart of the defense for newly promoted championship-winning side, Fulham as they welcomed Liverpool to White Cottage.
It seemingly looked like they will edge Klopp’s Reds to all 3 points after Mitrovic’s brace but Salah’s late equalizer meant that both teams shared a point each.
Similar results between Fulham and Liverpool was recorded again as Leicester and Brentford played out a thrilling 2-2 Draw.
Ndidi marshaled the midfield for the Foxes after a long injury layoff but the duo of Iheanacho and Frank Onyeka were unused substitutes at Kings Power Stadium.
Iwobi’s Everton who finished sixteenth last season to fight off relegation succumbed to a 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Goodison Park. The blues last won on that turf six years ago but Jorginho’s penalty kick after Doucoure pulled back Chillwell in the box gave the Stamford Bridge side all 3 points.
Awoniyi started on the bench for Nottingham Forest albeit, his introduction at the latter part of the game wasn’t enough to spark a comeback as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to rejuvenate Newcastle.
Carney Chukwuemeka who is yet to play for Nigeria is the only Nigerian descent player that recorded a win with Chelsea although he was an unused substitute in the win against Everton.
