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Nigerian Footballers Shine on the Global Stage
In a remarkable display of Nigerian talent and skill, several Nigerian footballers made their presence felt in various international leagues over the weekend, showcasing their prowess and making significant contributions to their respective clubs. The world of football was treated to a thrilling performance by these players, both on the domestic and international fronts.
Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai witnessed the impeccable form of Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo, who delivered his 11th goal of the season in a 1-1 home draw against Yabian Funde at the club’s Development Area Stadium. Ighalo, who is a strong contender for a Super Eagles squad recall in the World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon, scored the equalizer in the 86th minute, extending his remarkable goal tally for the season.
In Denmark, Paul Onuachu displayed his scoring prowess by netting a brace for Midtjylland in a thrilling 4-3 home victory against Nordsjaelland. Onuachu, who found the net in the 44th and 53rd minutes, has now accumulated four goals in just four games this season. His remarkable performance was complemented by his compatriot and teammate, Rilwan Hassan, who was substituted in the 73rd minute. It was also Hassan’s fourth appearance of the season.
In Turkey, Super Eagles and Olympic Eagles Rio 2016 midfielder Azubuike Okechukwu played the full 90 minutes for Yeni Malatyaspor in their 3-1 home win against Osmanlispor, featuring the Nigerian duo of Aminu Umar and Raheem Lawal.
Furthermore, former Nigeria U-23 star Imoh Ezekiel made his season debut for Konyaspor in a 2-1 away defeat to Trabzonspor, coming off the bench in a game at the Senol Gunes Stadium.
Belgium witnessed Super Eagles prospect Henry Onyekuru making a notable appearance as he came off the bench for his club, Anderlecht, in their second Belgian Jupiler game of the season, replacing Dennis Appiah, despite their 2-0 defeat against Sporting Charleroi. Onyekuru’s debut last week against KV Oostende saw his on-loan side secure a 1-0 victory.
Super Eagles midfielder Uche Agbo had a full 90-minute stint for Standard Liege in their 1-0 defeat against Saint-Truiden in the Belgian top flight. It marked Agbo’s third appearance of the season, following his stint with relegated La Liga side Granada last season.
In Denmark, Izunna Uzochukwu featured for 62 minutes for OB Odense at the Ceres Park, the home ground of AGF, in a goalless draw. Uzochukwu’s fourth league appearance showcased a total of 257 minutes played so far.
Nigerian striker Samuel Adegbenro made his presence felt for Norwegian side Viking in a 1-1 away draw against Aalesund, marking his 15th league game of the season. The striker, who has already netted six league goals, was yellow carded in the 56th minute, his fourth booking of the season, and was subsequently replaced in the 66th minute.
Stabaek, with a trio of Nigerian talents, including Shuaibu Ibrahim, Anthony Ikedi, and Izuchukwu Jude Anthony, held Haugesund to a 2-2 stalemate. Ibrahim entered the match in the 55th minute, marking his 18th game of the season in which he has scored five times, while Ikedi also made a noteworthy appearance as a substitute for his fourth game of the season. Izuchukwu Jude Anthony was present as an unused substitute.
Lillestrom, another club with a Nigerian presence, fielded Ifeanyi Matthew, Marco Tagbajumi, and Charles Eze in their game against Stromsgodset, which ended in a 3-1 away defeat at the Marienlyst Stadion. The game saw Matthew, a former Flying Eagles midfielder, play the full 90 minutes for his 19th appearance of the season, while Charles Eze also featured for the entire duration. Tagbajumi, however, was replaced by Nigerian-born Shaloze Chikozie Udoji, who holds a Bulgarian passport.
Another Nigerian at Lillestrom, Moses Ebiye, made an impactful debut, coming off the bench in the 46th minute to play in his first game of the season. This collective display of Nigerian talent on the global stage serves as a testament to the country’s growing influence in international football.
