Nigerian players abroad featured in this week’s piece had three goals contributions – a goal and two assists.
Tolu Arokodare opened the scoring in the 32nd minute to put Genk in front against KV Mechelen, but Rob Schoofs cancelled it out six minutes later to see both teams share the spoils. Though, Yira Sor missed action for Genk due to injury.
Nathan Tella continued in his good run of games, providing the assist for Alejandro Grimaldo to net Bayer Leverkusen’s second goal in the 50th minute in their convincing 3-0 victory over German heavyweight, Bayern Munich at Bay Arena. Josip Stanisic (18th minute) and Jeremie Frimpong (95th minute) recorded the first and third goal respectively.
In Belgium, Chidera Ejuke set up Vincent Janssen for Royal Antwerp’s second goal in the 36th minute against RWD Molenbeek. Toby Alderweireld scored twice (the first goal after 15 minutes and his second, Antwerp’s fourth three minutes after the hour mark) and Jacob Ondrejka registered the third before half-time break as Mark Van Bommel’s men won four nil at Edmond Machtens Stadium. Molenbeek player, Philippe Sampaio was sent off in the 66th minute and Ejuke was subbed for compatriot, Victor Udoh in the 81st minute.
Igoh Ogbu made Jindrich Trpisovsky’s starting line-up in Slavia Prague’s tie with Jablonec. Ogbu went ahead to play the entirety of the game in defence and Muhamed Tijani in same team took the place of Mojmir Chytil in the 78th minute. However, Prague came out victorious in a seven-goal thriller (4-3) at Fortuna Arena.
Ivan Juric threw in David Okereke for Antonio Sanabria (74th minute) in Torino’s clash with Alessio Dionisi’s Sassuolo. Okereke could not find the back of the net upon his presence on the pitch and the tie ended one-all. Andrea Pinamonti netted for Sassuolo five minutes into the game and Duvan Zapata restored parity four minutes later.
Midfielder, Ifeanyi Matthew was compact for Zurich in their contest with Grasshoppers and both teams were red carded. Nikola Katic (Zurich player) was sent off in the 26th minute and Asumah Abubakar for Grasshoppers in the 12th minute. Antonio Marchesano’s 38th minute strike through penalty turned the tie in Zurich’s favour at Letzigrund Stadion.
Kevin Akpoguma featured for Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Hoffenheim following Pavel Kaderabek’s ouster in the 68th minute in their face-off with FC Koln – and the encounter finished 1-1 at PreZero Arena.
Taiwo Awoniyi led the line for Nottingham Forest against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at City Ground. Awoniyi fired blank and was substituted for Divock Origi in the 68th minute. Meanwhile, Newcastle claimed a 3-2 triumph after 90 minutes of action. Anthony Elanga (26th minute) and Callum Hudson-Odoi before half-time whistle registered Forest’s goals; while Fabian Schar (43rd minute) and Bruno Guimaraes’ brace in the 10th and 66th minute made the difference for the away side.
Kenneth Ikugar replaced Jakub Janetzky in the 68th minute in Zlin’s colours versus Teplice in Czech. Ikugar was on the losing side in a 2-1 result.
Former Flying Eagles star, Akor Adams was upfront for Michel Der Zakarian’s Montpellier versus Lyon. Adams played 90 minutes but did not get a goal. Similarly, Gift Orban represented Lyon, coming on for Alexandre Lacazette in the 89th minute. Orban was on the winning side in a 2-1 scoreline at Stade de la Mosson.
Kelechi Nwakali and Junior Pius tasted action for Chaves at Moreirense in the Primeira Liga. Nwakali exited the tie for Bernardo Sousa (Benny) in the 67th minute and Pius was off for Jo in the 77th minute. They lost out following Madson Silva’s effort in the 74th minute.
Imanol Alguacil introduced Umar Sadiq for Andre Silva in the 62nd minute as Real Sociedad welcome Jagoba Arrasate’s Osasuna to Reale Arena. However, Ante Budimir struck in the 50th minute to seal it for the visitors.
The duo of Babajide David Akintola and Ibrahim Olawoyin played 90 minutes for Rizespor in their visit to Sivasspor in the Turkish Super Lig, but Rey Aldo Manaj’s goal in the 30th minute gave Sivasspor the win.
