How Nigerians fared in major European leagues

A Saturday of mixed fortunes saw Nigerians feature for their respective clubs across European leagues.

From the major European leagues to other parts of the European continent, Nigerians turned up in another weekend of sizzling and sensational football.

Premier League 

It was Goodison Vibes for Alex Iwobi as Everton ran out 1-0 victors against Manchester United.

The former Arsenal midfielder was hailed by he Toffees faithful for his fantastic, almost spotless display against the Red Devils.

Iwobi’s presence in the midfield was instrumental to how Everton got very important points in their battle to avoid relegation.

The Super Eagles star is gently warming his way into fans’ hearts and has improved since Frank Lampard came in as coach in January.

Emmanuel Dennis was a 39th minute substitute in Watford’s 3-0 home loss to Leeds United. The Nigerian was the only Super Eagles star on parade with the trio of William Troost-Ekong, Samuel Kalu and Oghenekaro Etebo not involved in the game. While Kalu made the bench, Etebo and Ekong were not dressed for the game.

La Liga

In the Spanish La Liga, Samuel Chukwueze provided an assist as Villarreal snatched a 1-1 draw from Atletico Bilbao.

Chukwueze’s delicious flick was met by Alfonso Pedraza to drag the Yellow Submarine back in the game in the 60th minute of the game.

Villarreal will next travel to Munich to face Bayern in a game that may see them make it to the semifinal of the Champions League for the first time since 2005/06 season.

German Bundesliga

Taiwo Awoniyi was in action for 82 minutes in the Berlin derby as Union Berlin thrashed Hertha for the third time this season.

Although Awoniyi couldn’t increase his 12-goal tally this season, he was a big presence in Union’s attack and forced some big saves from the Hertha goalkeeper.

Eredivisie

Maduka Okoye was in goal as Ajax defeated Sparta Rotterdam 2-1.

The Nigerian made four saves in the game but also committed an error that lead to an Ajax goal.

Okoye also struggled with his passing in the game, completing only 15 of the 43 passes he attempted, a surprising statistics for a goalkeeper.

Russian Premier League

FK Khimki defeated CSKA Moscow 4-2 on Saturday with Brian Idowu in action.

Idowu assisted the third goal of the game in the 80th minute and had a good shift.

Chidera Ejuke was an 88th minute substitute for CSKA Moscow in the game and struggled to make any insignificant impact.

Turkish Super League

Ahmed Musa saw 63 minutes of action for Fatih Karamguruk on Saturday as they defeated Kasimpasa 3-2.

Former Enugu Rangers midfielder, Obinna Nwobodo was also in action for Goztepe as their relegation fight got tougher following a 2-1 home loss to Kayserispor.

Belgian Jupiler League

Alhassan Yusuf was a star presence in the Royal Antwerp midfield as they were forced to a 1-1 draw by Cercle Brugge.

Yusuf completed 80% of his chances and 100% of his dribbles.

He however won just 2 of his five ground duels.