There were no less than 10 Nigerian players who featured for their various clubs in the Europa League last night. Some starred while others were less effective in a mixed European night for Nigerians.
Kelechi Iheanacho had a quiet evening for Leicester City, failing to register a single shot and had only 16 touches of the ball overall away at Braga. He was hooked in the 69th minute of the entertaining 3-3 draw that sees Leicester qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Indidi did not make the squad for Leicester having only returned to training earlier this week.
Samuel Chukwueze saw 63 minutes of action in Villarreal’s 1-1 draw in Maccabi Tel Aviv. The winger had a decent game but not as spectacular as the Yellow Submarines remain top of Group I.
Still in Group I, Olarenwaju Kayode continued his goal-scoring streak in the competition with his fourth goal in as many matches to keep Sivasspor’s hopes of progressing alive.
The Nigerian international was brought on in the 57th minute against Qarabag FK and scored a few seconds later to make it 2-2 on the scoreboard. Sivasspor went on to win 3-2 through Arouna Kone’s second goal of the night.
Chidera Ejuke’s CSKA Moscow remains bottom of Group K after failing to secure a win over 10-men Feyenoord. Ejuke was on the pitch for 81 minutes in the 0-0 encounter.
Leke James was powerless from preventing his Norwegian club, Molde Fk going down 3-0 at home to Arsenal. 19-years-old English player of Nigerian descent, Folarin Balogun scored Arsenal’s third.
Another English youngster of Nigerian descent, Noni Madueke, was at the heart of everything good for PSV last night in their comeback win. He scored and assisted as PSV overcame PAOK in a 3-2 scoreline.
Abdullahi Shehu and Omonia Nicosia fell to a 2-1 defeat away at Granada. The midfielder was subbed off in the 58th minute.
Leon Balogun was solid for Rangers as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home against Benfica. Aribo did not feature.
In group C, Peter Olayinka put up a decisive display for Slavia Praha in their 3-1 defeat of Nice. The forward scored in the 64th minutes to put his side 2-1 up and had an impressive game all round.
