In a riveting display of prowess, Nigerian talents John Ogu and Joel Obi showcased their mettle in the heart of European football as Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Torino secured commanding victories in their respective league clashes.
Ogu, the midfield maestro, marked his 17th Israeli Premier League start for Hapoel Beer-Sheva in a resounding 3-1 triumph against Beitar Jerusalem during Wednesday’s Championship play-off encounter. Completesportsnigeria.com reported the match as Hapoel Beer-Sheva’s second win in the Championship play-offs, driven by a stellar performance that saw Ben Sahar open the scoring in the third minute. Niv Zrihan’s brace in the 39th and 50th minutes consolidated their lead, despite Erik Sabo’s late consolation goal in the 53rd minute.
Notably, Ogu’s appearance constituted his 30th outing across all competitions this season, showcasing his consistent form with two goals to his credit. His compatriot, Anthony Nwakaeme, returned from a three-week injury hiatus, featuring on the substitutes’ bench for the Camels. Nwakaeme’s impactful season for Hapoel Beer-Sheva includes six goals and four assists in 17 league appearances.
Looking ahead, Hapoel Beer-Sheva gears up for an upcoming clash against Maccabi Tel Aviv scheduled for Monday, anticipating to sustain their winning momentum.
Meanwhile, in Italy’s Serie A spectacle, Joel Obi made his mark with Torino, entering the fray as a substitute in the 73rd minute for Daniele Baselli during their commanding 4-1 victory over Crotone. The match witnessed Andrea Belotti’s hat-trick and Iago Falque’s strike securing Torino’s dominance, with Marco Davide Faraoni grabbing a late consolation goal for Crotone in the 90th minute.
Obi’s cameo appearance marked his 20th Serie A outing for Torino this season, adding to his tally of 15 starts and an impressive five goals.
The remarkable performances by Ogu and Obi underscored their pivotal roles in steering their respective European clubs to commanding victories, showcasing the prowess of Nigerian talent on the global football stage.
