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Round-Up: Balogun Sees Red, Awoniyi Sent Off as Simon Makes Triumphant Return; Akpala Shines, Osimhen Absent
In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday, Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun faced an early exit in the German Bundesliga, receiving his first red card while playing for Mainz in their 0-0 draw against Hamburg. Balogun, cautioned in the 34th minute for a foul, conceded a penalty in the 60th minute, resulting in his expulsion. Goalkeeper Florian Müller made an impactful debut, saving the penalty. This marked Balogun’s second career red card, the first occurring in 2012 during his time with Fortuna Düsseldorf II.
Compatriot Anthony Ujah made a late appearance, replacing Yoshinori Muto in the 88th minute. Mainz now sits in the relegation play-off places, level on points with Wolfsburg.
Nigerian youngster Victor Osimhen was notably absent from Wolfsburg’s matchday squad, contributing to their 2-1 loss against Bayer Leverkusen in another Bundesliga clash.
In the English Premier League, Wilfred Ndidi made his 29th start for Leicester City, securing a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal drought extended to 14 games, as he failed to score when he came on for Adrien Silva in the 60th minute.
In Spain, Brown Ideye made a 60th-minute appearance for Malaga, but they suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Leganes. Isaac Success was not included in the matchday squad.
Belgium witnessed Moses Simon’s triumphant return for Gent after an eight-week injury hiatus. Despite his efforts, Gent lost 3-2 to Joseph Akpala’s Oostende, where Akpala showcased his prowess by scoring the second goal in the 72nd minute.
The Belgian Jupiler league featured Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi’s early exit in the 75th minute of Royal Excel Mouscron’s 2-1 home defeat to Lokeren. Awoniyi has been a standout performer, netting seven times and providing five assists in 26 league games this season.
In Scotland, Chidebere Nwakali came on for Ryan Christie in Aberdeen’s 1-1 draw at home to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup. A replay at Rugby Park will determine the team advancing to the next round.
In Turkey, Kenneth Omeruo made his 21st league appearance for Kasimpasa, securing a 1-1 draw at home to Osmanlispor FK. Raheem Lawal and Aminu Umar were left out of Osmanlispor FK’s matchday squad, while Emem Eduok entered the game in the 88th minute, replacing Bernard Mensah.
