Nigerians abroad: Iwobi’s brace lifts Fulham to 11-year best; Ejuke, Ilenikhena to Antwerp’s rescue; Boniface stings Paderborn

Soccernet.ng highlights some eye-catching displays from Nigerian footballers outside the country’s shores on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

In England, Paul Mukairu featured for Reading as they advanced to the next round of the EFL Trophy following a penalty shootout victory over Charlton Athletic.

Fulltime scores stood at 1-1, but Oluwafemi Azeez, who replaced Mukairu in the 65th minute, converted one of Reading’s penalties as they claimed a 4-2 win over their opponents.

Alex Iwobi grabbed his first brace in the Premier League to lead Fulham to a comprehensive 5-0 win over Ola Aina’s Nottingham Forest.

Calvin Bassey also impressed at the heart of the defence for Fulham alongside Tosin Adarabioyo as the Cottagers secured their biggest victory since beating Norwich City 5-0 in August 2012.

Frank Onyeka delivered another all-energy display for Brentford, but it yielded zero points as Brighton claimed a hard-fought 2-1 win.

In Spain, Umar Sadiq was a second-half substitute as Real Sociedad sealed safe passage to the next phase of the Copa del Rey following a slim 1-0 win away to lower league side Andratx.

Victor Boniface opened the scoring with his 14th strike in all competitions to power Bayer Leverkusen to the quarterfinals of the DFB Pokal with a 3 – 1 triumph over Paderborn.

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella featured from the bench for the Bundesliga pacesetters.

In the Albanian Cup, Bobby Clement was the hero for AF Elbasani as he scored twice, including the winning goal, that lifted his side to a 3-2 second-round win over Kastrioti Krujë.

Elsewhere, Samuel Ajine was among the goals for Skënderbeu Korçë as they strolled to a convincing 4 – 0 Cup win against Turbina Cërrik.

It was also a similarly triumphant ending for James Ayinde, who got Lushnja’s second goal in their 3-0 victory over Tomori Berat also in the Albanian Cup.

Chidera Ejuke got his second goal in the colours of Royale Antwerp, and George Ilenikhena netted twice to guide the Belgian champions to a comeback 5-2 win over Sporting Charleroi in the Belgian Cup Round of 16.

Raphael Onyedika also saw action for the last few minutes as Club Brugge secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the Cup following a commanding 4 – 0 victory over Zulte Waregem.

Gift Orban and KAA Gent also scraped through to the quarterfinals after a narrow 1-0 win away to Sint-Truiden.

It was, however, the end of the road for Yira Sor and KRC Genk as they were dumped out of the competition after losing 3-1 in extra-time to KV Oostende.

In the Scottish Premiership, Glasgow Rangers carved out a tough 1-0 away win at Hearts, with Leon Balogun putting up an excellent showing in the heart of the Gers’ defence.