Nigerian Players Abroad: Olawoyin Display Impressive Performance, Okoye in Goal for 3 Consecutive Games
While the Super Eagles quest to another Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) glory commenced yesterday with a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea, the Nigerian players abroad that couldn’t make the squad continued with their respective clubs.
After scoring against Hatayspor to help his side earn a 2-0 triumph the last time out, Ibrahim Olawoyin played all through as Rizespor welcome Adana Demirspor to their home ground in the Turkish top flight. Despite not scoring this time, Olawoyin was a thorn in the flesh for the rival’s defenders. Meanwhile, Babajide David Akintola played the entirety of the game for the visitors, while Azubuike Okechukwu was not involved for Rizespor owing to ankle injury but they secured a one nil victory through Hungarian international, Attila Mocsi in the 55th minute.
The trio of Maduka Okoye, Isaac Success and Kingsley Ehizibue were involved in Udinese’s encounter with Fiorentina at Artemio Franchi Stadium in the Serie A. Okoye was in between the sticks for the third time consecutively, whereas Success and Ehizibue were substitutes – replacing Lorenzo Lucca and Festy Ebosele in the 58th minute. The tie eventually ended two goals apiece. Sandi Lovric (10th minute) and Florian Thauvin (73rd minute) recorded the goals for Gabriele Cioffi’s team – and Lucas Beltran (55th minute) and M’Bala Nzola in the 87th minute registered that of the opposition.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came on for Omer Beyaz three minutes after the hour mark in Hatayspor’s colours versus Pendikspor in the Turkish Super Lig. Fisayo held his own upon his introduction as the tie ended one all. Meanwhile, Emeka Eze missed action for Pendikspor due to ankle injury.
Simy Nwankwo was the point man for Salernitana in their visit to Napoli (Diego Armando Maradona Stadium). Nwankwo spent much time on the pitch but couldn’t register a goal, hence, he was replaced by compatriot, Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi in the latter stages – and they lost to Walter Mazzarri’s men 2-1. Antonio Candreva netted for Filippo Inzaghi’s side after 29 minutes; while Matteo Politano (penalty on the stroke of half time) and Amir Rrahmani with few minutes left were on target for the host.
Terem Moffi featured for Nice against Rennes at Roazhon Park in the French Ligue 1. Moffi fired blank and Francesco Farioli subbed him for Badredine Bouanani in the 77th minute. Rennes won 2-0 with goals coming from Benjamin Bourigeaud (penalty – 31st minute) and Arnaud Kalimuendo assisted by Enzo Le Fee in the 54th minute.
Former Flying Eagles star, Akor Adams tasted action donning Montpellier’s jersey in their away clash at Brest. Adams could not find the back of the net and consequently, Michel Der Zakarian threw in Wahbi Khazri in the 67th minute to take his place. Similarly, they lost by two unreplied goals – with Hugo Magnetti (48th minute) and Jeremy Le Douaron (91st minute) making it possible for Brest.
Luis Morgado included Kelechi Nwakali in Chaves starting line-up in their face-off with Sporting. Nwakali didn’t have much impact, leading to his ouster for Raphael Guzzo in the 52nd minute. Sporting came out victorious in a 3-0 result following goals by Paulinho (44th minute), Trincao (52nd minute) and Pedro Goncalves (57th minute).
