Nigerians Abroad: Maja strikes twice, Eze dashes Fener’s dream, Afolabi converts crucial penalty

Nigerian footballers are making headlines around the world with their incredible performances on the pitch.

FRANCE

Super Eagles striker Josh Maja delivered a man-of-the-match performance as he scored two goals to lead Girondins Bordeaux to a commanding 3-0 win against Grenoble Foot 38.

Maja got his first of the evening just three minutes before half-time to hand Bordeaux the lead. The former Sunderland man then wrapped up the victory in the 63rd minute after Zuriko Davitashvili had doubled the home side’s advantage.

The win catapults Bordeaux to second place on the French Ligue 2 table, with their automatic promotion destiny firmly in their own hands.

With 15 goals in 32 league appearances, Maja has been crucial to the club’s excellent campaign.

CZECH REPUBLIC

In the FNL, Dele Israel impressed for Sigma Olomouc II as they ran out 4-1 winners over Emmanuel Anih’s Příbram.

ECUADOR

Lagos-born Jimmy Evans Oghenerukwe came off the bench but could not help change the scoreline as Mushuc Runa and Emelec played out a goalless draw in the Lega Pro.

IRAQ

In the Iraqi League, Okiki Afolabi showed nerves of steel to convert an 88th-minute penalty that helped Newroz earn a 1-1 draw at home to Al Najaf.

ROMANIA

Christian Irobiso led the attack for Petrolul 52 as they forced Voluntari to a 2-2 draw to return to the top of the Liga I table.

TURKEY

Bright Osayi-Samuel was on the bench for Fenerbahce as their title dreams suffered a major blow after they were held to a 3-3 draw by Emeka Eze’s İstanbulspor.

Fenerbahce thought they had secured a 3-2 win that would have reduced Galatasaray’s lead to four points.

But Eze had other ideas as the 28-year-old struck a 96th-minute equalizer to upset Fener’s party.