Nigerians abroad: Nwakaeme frustrates Ronaldo, Omeruo outshines Nwakali, Akpoguma soars

The football scene across Europe was filled with intense matches and dramatic moments, and Nigerian stars were involved as teams fought fiercely to clinch crucial victories in their respective leagues.

In the Spanish Segunda Division, Kenneth Omeruo triumphed over Kelechi Nwakali in the battle of the Super Eagles stars as a stoppage-time Sergio González’s winner handed Leganes a 1-0 win over Ponferradina at the Estadio El Toralín in Ponferrada.

Over in the German Bundesliga, Kevin Akpoguma was an immovable rock in defence as Hoffwnheim gave nothing away in the 2-0 home win over Schalke 04.

In the French Ligue 1, Moses Simon would be pleased with a saved point as goals from Mustafa Mohamed and Ludovic Blas helped Nantes come from a two-goal deficit to seal a 2-2 at home to Monaco.

Out there in the Belgian First Division A, Yira Sor saw action as Genk fell 2-0 at Standard Liege to see their lead at the top of the table slashed to two points. Elsewhere, Alhassan Yusuf came off the bench to lift Antwerp to a 2-1 victory over Cercle Brugge.

In Egypt, Sodiq Ougola git the winning goal for Smouha in the 4-3 win at home to El Dakhleya, with visitors parading Kelechi Chimezie and Christopher John.

John Okoli’s sixth league goal of the season was not enough to secure a point for Al Mokawloon as ENPPI powered to a 2-1 win.

In Greece, Oghenekaro Etebo had a difficult evening as Aris we’re humbled 3-1 at rivals AEK Athens.

Over in the Moldovan Super Liga, exciting forward Rasheed Akanbi made the difference for Sheriff as he needed the only goal in the win over Sfîntul Gheorghe.

Emmanuel Alaribe got his second goal in three games in all competitions for his new club Zimbru, but it was insufficient as Peteocub carved out a 3-2 triumph.

In the Russian Premier League, youngster Olakunle Olusegun could not add to his four league goals, but his efforts were enough to help Krasnodar outclass Nizhny Novgorod 3-1 on home soil.

Next up is Saudi Arabia where Anthony Nwakaeme and his Al Feiha teammates pulled off a solid performance to hold title-chasing Al Nassr and Cristiano Ronaldo to a goalless draw.

In South Africa, goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi made his second consecutive clean sheet for Swallows in their 0-0 draw against high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns.

Augustine Chidi Kwem netted one of his most crucial goals as he slammed a late equaliser in Amazulu’s fine 2-2 draw at Cape Town City.