Nigerians abroad: Ordega nets brace; Olayinka, Thomas, Utaka on target; Ejuke’s return ends badly

It was a busy Saturday for Nigerian footballers around the world, with many putting in solid performances for their respective clubs.
Soccernet.ng highlights some of the most notable actions.

CROATIA

Hajduk Split welcomed back Chidozie Awaziem into their starting lineup and the defender proved to be a solid presence in their 2-0 victory over Varaždin in the HNL.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Peter Olayinka made a triumphant return from his suspension with a goal for Slavia Prague in their dominant 3-0 win over Bohemians 1905.

Meanwhile, Igoh Ogbu displayed an outstanding defensive performance for the home team and helped keep their first clean sheet in four matches across all competitions.

ENGLAND

Brentford’s Frank Onyeka entered the game at halftime and made an immediate impact with a crucial tackle and creating a chance that helped the team secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against high-flying Aston Villa.

Taiwo Awoniyi put in a commendable effort and Emmanuel Dennis was brought on late in the game as Nottingham Forest battled fiercely in their 3-2 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield.

Wilfred Ndidi impressed in Leicester City’s comeback 2-1 victory over Wolves, which saw Kelechi Iheanacho score from the spot.

Despite finishing the game with ten men, Alex Iwobi was one of Everton’s better players in their goalless draw against Crystal Palace.

GERMANY

Anthony Ujah displayed his goalscoring prowess yet again, scoring the consolation goal for Eintracht Braunschweig, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to FC Magdeburg in a 2.Bundesliga clash.

Chidera Ejuke returned from injury to make his first appearance of the year for Hertha Berlin in their crushing 2-4 defeat at home to Werder Bremen.

ISRAEL

Adedayo Adeleye made numerous fine saves, but it was not enough to prevent Hapoel Jerusalem from falling to a 1-2 defeat at home against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

ITALY

William Troost-Ekong came off the bench as a second-half substitute for Salernitana and contributed to their convincing 3-0 win over Sassuolo, which helped them distance themselves from the relegation zone.

JAPAN

Peter Utaka’s lone goal secured Ventforet Kofu’s victory over Machida Zelvia, propelling them to fourth on the J2 League table.

LITHUANIA

Ebuka Onah continued his impressive form by scoring his second goal in as many games, earning Riteriai a hard-fought 1-1 draw away to FA Šiauliai.

MOLDOVA

Emmanuel Alaribe was on the scoresheet as Zimbru handed Sfîntul Gheorghe a 2-0 defeat in the Super Liga, while Rasheed Akanbi’s eighth goal of the season helped Sheriff secure a 1-1 home draw with CSF Bălți, bringing them one step closer to the Super Liga title.

RUSSIA

Chinonyerem Macleans was the standout player, scoring the opening goal and leading Lokomotiv Moscow Women to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Krylya Sovetov.

Meanwhile, Fransisca Ordega scored a brace as CSKA Moskva trounced Rubin Kazan 8-0 in the Superliga Women.

SLOVAKIA

Kenneth Ikugar came off the bench to score an 83rd-minute winner for FC ViOn Zlaté Moravce in their hard-fought 1-0 victory away to Skalica in their Super Liga play-off Group B tie.

SLOVENIA

Koper started off the game strong with Bright Edomwonyi’s impressive strike just two minutes in, but their hopes of clinching the win were dashed when Sokler’s equalizer earned Radomlje a 1-1 draw. The match was an intense battle, with both teams giving it their all until the final whistle blew.

SOUTH AFRICA

Ibraheem Olalekan Jabaar’s superb goal was not enough to save Swallows from a crushing 3-0 defeat against Stellenbosch.

Daniel Akpeyi, the Super Eagles goalkeeper, was unfortunately in goal for the losing side. Despite the loss, Jabaar’s goal was a thing of beauty, showcasing his incredible skill and precision.

SPAIN

Kelechi Nwakali played for 53 minutes in SD Ponferradina’s tough game against Andorra in the Segunda Division. The team suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat at home, with a second-half red card for Brazil’s Derik Lacerda adding to their woes. Although Nwakali gave it his all, it wasn’t enough to secure a win for the team.

SWEDEN

Richard Friday scored the decisive goal in GAIS’s impressive 2-0 victory over Landskrona in the Superettan. The match was a thrilling display of skill and strategy, with both teams fiercely competing for dominance on the field. Friday’s goal was the cherry on top of a brilliant performance from the team.

USA

Oladayo Thomas was the hero for New York RB II as he scored a 76th-minute penalty to secure a thrilling 1-0 win over New England II at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. The match was a nail-biting affair, with both teams playing their hearts out until the very end. Thomas’s goal was the highlight of an already incredible game, securing a much-needed win for the team.