The Nigerian players abroad featured in this week’s piece could only muster three goals contribution – two goals and one assist.
Cyriel Dessers led Rangers’ attack in their away clash at St. Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. Dessers scored the only goal of the game off John Lundstram’s effort in the 14th minute to secure the maximum points for Philippe Clement’s side. Though, Leon Balogun was an unused substitute for Rangers.
In the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, Yira Sor, who was assisted by Alieu Fadera opened the scoring to give Genk the lead two minutes into the contest versus St. Truiden on the road. Sor was later substituted for compatriot, Tolu Arokodare in the 25th minute after sustaining an injury – and Ryotaro Ito clinched a point for Truiden after netting in the 90th minute. Though, Genk ended the tie with nine men following red cards to Gerardo Arteaga (85th minute) and Bryan Heynen (96th minute).
Yusuf Lawal was a substitute for Arouca after replacing Morlaye Sylla in the 70th minute in their face-off with Vizela. Lawal teed up Cristo Gonzalez to slot in his side’s fifth goal 22 minutes later as they dispatched opposition five nil. Rafa Mujica (11th minute), Cristo Gonzalez (17th minute), Matheus Pereira’s own goal (50th minute) and Mujica’s brace in the 86th minute sealed the convincing triumph for Daniel Sousa’s team.
Forward, Francis Momoh tasted action for Grasshoppers as they welcome FC Zurich to Letzigrund Stadion in the Swiss Super League. Momoh fired blank and Ifeanyi Matthew also represented Zurich all through but Momoh was on the winning side in a 2-1 result.
Far away in Turkey, Babajide David Akintola donned the jersey of Adana Demirspor versus Hatayspor. David witnessed every minute but no goal contribution – and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru also made rival’s team. Meanwhile, Semih Guler was sent off for Demirspor in the latter stages and they lost to Nani’s own goal in the 44th minute.
Jordan Torunarigha was available in Gent’s heart of defence as they slugged it out with Westerlo at KAA Gent Arena. Gent conceded twice, but they also registered two goals, hence both teams shared the spoils (2-2).
Kevin Akpoguma paired John Brooks in Hoffenheim’s centre back against Frank Schmitt’s Heidenhem in the German Bundesliga. Eren Dinkci with assist provided by Jan Schoppner netted for Heidenhem in the 29th minute and Andrej Kramaric levelled terms via penalty on the stroke of half-time as the clash ended 1-1.
Imanol Alguacil fielded Umar Sadiq from the onset in Real Sociedad’s tie with Francisco Rodriguez’s Rayo Vallecano at Reale Arena. Sadiq failed to score and was subbed for Mikel Oyarzabal two minutes after the hour mark. The game finished goalless after 90 minutes of action.
Nathan Tella made his presence on the pitch for Bayer Leverkusen in the 68th minute after Xabi Alonso took off Nadiem Amiri as they battle Borussia Monchengladbach. The game did not produce any goal after full-time whistle.
Akor Adams played upfront for the entirety of the game in Montpellier’s colours against Lille in the French Ligue 1 but he could not register a goal. Lille player, Ayyoub Bouaddi was sent off before half-time break and the tie ended in a stalemate at Stade de la Mosson.
Samuel Kalu held the left wing of the attack for Lausanne in their visit to Luzern (Swisspor Arena). Kalu’s impact was not at the optimal level and they lost 2-1. Pius Dorn (62nd minute) and Severin Ottiger (89th minute) struck for the winners; while Mamadou Kaly Sene had earlier converted a spot-kick for the travellers in the 20th minute. Nicky Beloko reduced Luzern to 10 men after receiving a red card seven minutes into the game.
Mark Van Bommel selected Chidera Ejuke in Royal Antwerp’s starting line-up that faced Eupen. Ejuke exited the pitch for Gyrano Kerk in the 79th minute and Victor Udoh did not make it past Antwerp’s bench. Brandon Baiye’s goal in the 30th minute secured a victory for Eupen at home.
Former Gent player, Gift Orban took the place of Mahamadou Diawara in the 46th minute in Lyon’s home game with Rennes. Orban could not register a goal upon his introduction and consequently, they suffered a 3-2 loss. Henrique (57th minute) and Alexandre Lacazette (78th) recorded the goals for Pierre Sage’s Lyon; while Martin Terrier (22nd minute), Desire Doue (36th minute) and Terrier’s brace in the 41st minute were the goals that sealed the victory for Julien Stephan’s side.
Maduka Okoye kept his place in Udinese’s goal against Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta in the Italian Serie A. In the same team, Kingsley Ehizibue replaced Festy Ebosele in the 46th minute and Isaac Success only made the bench. However, Okoye let in two goals, thus the host earned a two nil glory. Aleksey Miranchuk, who was set up by Charles De Ketelaere broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute and Gianluca Scamacca netted the second with De Ketelaere’s second assist of the game before half-time whistle.
