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Nigerian Trio Shines in European Action: Simon’s Gent Triumph, Success Inspires Malaga Win, Balogun Benched
Nigerian football talents were on display in various European leagues, with Moses Simon, Anderson Esiti, and Samuel Kalu leading Gent to a commendable 2-0 victory against Anderlecht as the Belgian Championship play-offs commenced on Sunday.
Gent, aiming for the league title and a coveted UEFA Champions League spot, secured three crucial points with second-half goals from Brecht Dejaegere and Yuya Kubo in the 47th and 86th minutes. Simon contributed to the triumph before being substituted in the 72nd minute, while Esiti and Kalu played the full 90 minutes, propelling Gent to the top of the six-team play-off table.
Meanwhile, in LaLiga Santander, Isaac Success featured for relegation-threatened Malaga in a crucial 1-0 victory against Villarreal. Gonzalo Castro’s 37th-minute penalty ended Malaga’s 13-game winless streak, providing a glimmer of hope in their fight against relegation. Success showcased his skills before being replaced in the 66th minute, while Brown Ideye was absent from Malaga’s matchday squad.
In the German Bundesliga, the spotlight shifted to Leon Balogun, who found himself benched for Mainz in a goalless draw against Monchengladbach. Anthony Ujah made a late entrance in the 90th minute, but Mainz’s winless streak extended to five league games. Balogun’s absence and the draw leave Mainz in the 16th spot in the relegation play-offs, with 26 points.
The performances of these Nigerian stars underscore their impact on the European football stage, with each player contributing to the success and challenges faced by their respective teams.
