Euro wrap: Ighalo, Utaka suffer cup disappointments; Iheanacho, Oshoala inspire league wins

Here is Soccernet.ng’s blow-by-blow account of how several Nigerian footballers fared for their clubs across Europe and beyond on Friday, February 11.

English Premier League

A week after contributing three goals in Leicester’s massive away win at Aston Villa, Kelechi Iheanacho came up with the goods again netting a goal and an assist to power the Foxes to a 4-1 win over Harry Kane’s Tottenham Hotspur at the King Power Stadium.

Compatriot Wilfred Ndidi was a second-half substitute in the encounter, the midfielder getting closer to full fitness after a spell on the sidelines.

Emmanuel Dennis’ introduction from the bench did not stop Nottingham Forest from falling to a 2-0 defeat at Fulham.

Paul Onuachu made his full debut while Joe Aribo saw action for a few minutes but Southampton continued their rotten form with a disappointing 2-1 loss at Saint Mary’s to ten-man Wolves Wanderers.

Spain’s Primera Division Femenina

Super Falcons striker Asisat scored her 18th goal of an incredible campaign to lead Barcelona to a 4-0 win away to Deportivo Alaves.

Fellow Nigerian international, Osinachi Ohale netted an own goal in the encounter as Barcelona maintained their stunning record-winning streak.

Serie A

Nigerian defender, Tyronne Ebuehi started for Empoli but he had been replaced before the hosts battled from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against Spezia.

At the Stadio Olimpico, Ademola Lookman supplied the assist to Atalanta’s second goal as the Goddess kept their continental qualifications dreams alive with a 2-0 triumph over direct rivals SS Lazio.

Ighalo, Utaka cup disappointments

Odion Ighalo failed to add the biggest trophy in club football to his CV as Real Madrid humbled Al Hilal 5-3 in the final of the Club World Cup.

The former Watford ace followed the footpath of Victor Moses and John Mikel Obi who also lost the prestigious trophy with Chelsea in 2012.

In Japan, Peter Utaka got a goal for Ventforet Kofu but Yokohama F Marinos scored twice to win 2-1 and lift the Super Cup.

Other European leagues

In the Belgium Pro League, Nigerian striker, Gift Emannuel Orban bagged a brace on his KAA Gent double as his new team played out a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Westerlo.

In Croatia, Chidozie Awaziem ended on the winning side as Hajduk Split carved out an excellent 4-1 triumph at Varaždin.

In the Czech Republic, Jos-born Igoh Ogbu made his Slavia Prague debut while compatriot Peter Olayinka featured prominently as the Slavists sealed a 2-0 home win over visiting Slavia Prague.