Nigerians abroad: Babajide bags brilliant brace; Monday masterclass in Spain, Iheanacho strikes vs Man City

Soccernet.ng highlights some of the most notable performances of Nigerian stars in Europe on Saturday, April 15th.

Let’s begin in Turkey, where Super Eagles forward Henry Onyekuru featured for 24 minutes as Adana Demirspor showed no mercy in flogging Kasimpasa 5-0 at the Yeni Adana Stadyumu. Compatriot Babajide David was the star of the encounter as he scored two sensational goals.

Meanwhile, Bright Osayi-Samuel continued to impress as a right-back for Fenerbahce, who moved to within six points of league leaders Galatasaray with a 2-1 victory over Ankaragucu.

Over to the Italian Serie A, where Victor Osimhen’s return from injury was in vain as Verona held Napoli to a goalless draw at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Kevin Akpoguma delivered an excellent showing in defence for Hoffenheim as the Blues forced champions Bayern Munich to a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena in Germany.

In Spain, Samuel Chukwueze had a frustrating outing in Villarreal’s disappointing 2-1 home defeat against Real Valladolid.

Chukwueze, who netted a brace at Real Madrid last weekend, had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside, struck the woodwork with a left-footed curler, and missed another chance after dribbling past the goalkeeper.

On the other hand, Gift Monday scored her first two league goals for Granadilla Tenerife since joining the club last year to inspire them to a thrilling 3-2 win at Levante Las Planas in the Spanish Women’s top flight.

Meanwhile, in Slovakia, 21-year-old Chinonso Emeka netted a 91st-minute winner for Trencin in their 2-1 home win over Kenneth Ikugar’s Zlaté Moravce.

Origbaajo Ismaila also grabbed a 79th-minute winning goal for Sheriff as they edged to a 2-1 victory over Milsami in Moldova.

In France, Lesley Ugochukwu was disciplined and classy in Rennes’ midfield in their 3-0 bashing of Folarin Balogun’s Reims in a Ligue 1 fixture.

In the English Premier League, Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to score against his former club Manchester City but the Citizens were too hot to handle for Leicester City as they claimed a 3-1 victory.

While in the Championship, Semi Ajayi was a rock in the heart of West Brom’s defence as a Jayson Molumby brace lifted Albion to a 2-1 away win at Stoke City.

Lastly, Ifeanyi Matthew got the consolation goal for FC Zurich as they were outgunned 4-1 by Luzern in the Swiss Super League.