Nigerian Players Abroad: Ogenekaro Etebo scores first La Liga goal for Granada while Wilfred Ndidi returns to action in the Premier League
A look into how Nigerian players fared in Europe on Saturday.
La Liga actions continued on Saturday, June 20 while two Nigerian players returned to action for the first time since the Premier League resumed.
We review the performances of Nigerian players in these leagues and also across Europe.
In Spain
Nigeria international Oghenekaro Etebo scored his first La Liga goal for Getafe who managed a 1-1 draw with visiting Eibar.
Etebo was heavily involved in the right side of midfield for Getafe and got his goal in the 30th minute. The Nigerian was in the right place at the right time in the Eibar box to sweep home a low cross and give his side the lead.
Eibar later equalised before Etebo was taken off due to an injury in the 69th minute.
In England
Super Eagles star Wilfred Ndidi returned to action in the Premier League with Leicester City who could only get a 1-1 draw away at Watford.
Ndidi played the whole 90 minutes and delivered as expected in his role as a defensive midfielder. He, however, caused a scare for Leicester City when a heavy first gave the ball away in the Foxes’ area but Kasper Schmeichel was on hand to prevent a goal in that situation.
Nigerian forward Kelechi Iheanacho came on in the 83rd minute of the encounter for his 13 league appearance of the season.
Championship
England’s second division returned again after the break and had one Nigerian player in action.
Central defender Semi Ajayi played the whole 90 minutes as West Brom were held to a goalless draw at home by Birmingham. The result was enough for West Brom to go top.
In Italy
The Serie A returned after 103 days since the last game was played and Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina played a part in Torino’s 1-1 draw at home to Parma. Aina came on in the 68th minute of the game.
He almost created a winner when his left-footed cross met Simone Edera who could only head wide from a very good position.
In Germany
Nigerian striker Anthony Ujah was on from the start but was kept quiet in Union Berlin’s 4-0 loss to Hoffenheim on Saturday. He played for 62 minutes before he was taken off.
Super Eagles fullback Jamilu Collins was in action as already relegated Paderborn were beaten 3-1 at home by Monchengladbach.
Newly called up Super Eagles fullback Kingsley Ehizibue played 87 minutes before he was taken off in Koln’s 1-1 home draw against Eintracht Frankfurt.
In Greece
Nigerian forward Chuba Akpom scored from the spot in PAOK’s 3-1 home win over Crete in the Super League. Akpom’s goal came in added time to give them the lead. He now has eight goals in the league so far this season.
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