Nigerian players in Europe: Weekend Recap

Victor Osimhen and Chidera Ejuke scored crucial goals for their respective sides, while Simy Nwankwo ended his goal drought for Salernitana in Italy.

In England, Kelechi Iheanacho’s first-half assist inspired Leicester to a comeback victory over Manchester United.

Here’s a weekend recap of Nigerian players across Europe:

Chidera Ejuke

Ejuke scored CSKA Moscow’s only goal as they defeated Ural 1–0 in the Russian Premier League on Sunday.

It was the midfielder’s second league goal of the season for CSKA, who are in fourth place.

Taiwo Awoniyi

Awoniyi kept up his superb form for Union Berlin as he scored his sixth goal in the Bundesliga this season in their 2–0 win over Wolfsburg on Saturday.

The 24-year-old former Liverpool striker scored the opener for the hosts in the 49th minute and was later replaced in the 84th minute.

Victor Osimhen

Napoli’s superstar was the hero for the Blues on Sunday night against Torino, as his towering header in the 81st minute helped his side to a 1–0 victory at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

The victory ensured Napoli maintained their perfect start to the Serie A season. Osimhen has now scored five goals in seven league outings and looks primed to continue delivering.

Simy Nwankwo

Nwankwo ended his seven-game goal drought in the Serie A with a strike for Salernitana against Spezia on Sunday.

The striker, who scored in the 39th minute, was assisted by Joel Obi.

However, Salernitana could not maintain the lead as they conceded two goals in the second half which sent them back to the bottom of the Serie A table

Kelechi Iheanacho

Iheanacho, making only his second start for Leicester in the Premier League this season, provided the early assist which inspired the Foxes to a come-back 4–2 victory over Manchester United on Saturday.

Iheanacho’s assist came in the 31st minute for Youri Tielemans to cancel out Mason Greenwood’s opener.

Anthony Nwakaeme

In Turkey, Anthony Nwakaeme played a crucial role for Trabzonspor albeit for 43 minutes as they defeated Fenerbahce 3-1 in Sunday’s Super Lig fixture.

Nwakaeme, who’s scored four league goals this season, didn’t add to that tally but played his part in ensuring both sides were level before injury forced his substitution in the 43rd minute.

Still in Turkey, Ahmed Musa‘s Fatih Karagumruk secured a 1-0 win over Altay FC on Sunday. The Super Eagles captain, who has recorded a goal and assist this season, was substituted in the 64th minute.

Elsewhere in France, Moses Simon’s Nantes played out a 1-1 draw against Bordeaux. Midfielder Samuel Kalu was introduced in the second half for Bordeaux.

In the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, Nigeria Joseph Aribo and Leon Balogun were in action for Rangers against Hearts as both teams registered a 1-1 draw at Ibrox.