UEFA Champions League: Hapoel Be’er Sheva Exits, Napoli and Sevilla Secure Group Stage Berths

Hapoel Be’er Sheva, featuring Nigerian duo John Ogu and Anthony Nwakaeme, faced a disappointing exit from the 2017/2018 UEFA Champions League, falling 1-0 away to Slovenia’s Maribor in the second leg of their play-off tie on Tuesday. The loss resulted in their elimination on the away goals rule, following a 2-1 victory for Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the first leg in Israel last week. Maribor clinched their place in the Champions League group stage with a goal from Mitja Viler in the 15th minute.

Both Ogu and Nwakaeme, who were named in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Cameroon, featured for the full 90 minutes in the encounter. Despite the setback, Hapoel Be’er Sheva will now compete in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League.

Meanwhile, Olympiacos, led by former Super Eagles striker Emmanuel Emenike, secured a 1-0 victory over Rijeka in Croatia, advancing 3-1 on aggregate. Marko Marin, a former Chelsea player, netted Olympiacos’ decisive goal in the 25th minute.

In France, Serie A club Napoli solidified their spot in the group phase with a 2-0 triumph over OGC Nice. Goals from Jose Maria Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne secured a 4-0 aggregate scoreline for Napoli. Former Inter Milan, Manchester City, and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli featured for OGC Nice.

In another play-off fixture, Sevilla played out a 2-2 draw at home against Emmanuel Adebayor’s Istanbul Basaksehir, ultimately advancing 4-3 on aggregate. Though Basaksehir took an early lead through Eljero Elia, Sevilla managed to level the score with a goal from Sergio Escudero. Wissam Ben Yedder then put Sevilla ahead, only for Edin Visca to equalize for Basaksehir, falling short of securing qualification for the group stage.