Super Eagles: Nigerian Stars Dazzle Abroad

With most European leagues now back in action, Oladipupo Mojeed brings us another edition reviewing the performances of players of Nigerian descent as well as Super Eagles players in Europe.

While a handful of players remain out of action due to injury or COVID-19, it was otherwise a busy week for most of the players.

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Super Eagles players in Europe

Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam)

Okoye didn’t have his best outing on his return back to action. His team suffered defeat in their clash against Feyenoord on Sunday.

The Nigerian shot-stopper made one save and conceded 2 goals in their 2-0 defeat to Feyenoord. There wasn’t much more he could have done to deny the visitors both goals as the defence was somewhat weak.

However, he has put that defeat behind him quickly to give his best at their Wednesday night outing against Fortuna Sittard. Sparta claimed a 1-0 victory.

William Troost-Ekong (Watford)

The Nigerian centre back returned to the starting line up for the Clarets in their FA cup tie against Manchester United on Saturday.

In the clash against the Red Devils, he gave a decent performance for his side and kept United’s attack quiet for most of the game. He also contributed his quota in the attack as he registered 2 shots and completed the most long balls in the outing.

Hopefully his performance is good enough to earn him more starts under Watford’s new manager.

Leon Balogun (Rangers)

Balogun had a decent performance in Rangers’ 2-1 victory over Aberdeen on Sunday. The win saw his side pull 21 points clear at the top of the Scottish league.

The only negative was the second half goal conceded by Matty Kennedy which denied his side a clean sheet.

He was the best performer in Rangers’ defensive unit, making the most interceptions and helping to start attacks with his impressive passing.

Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman (Fulham)

Aina played 120 minutes in his side’s FA cup victory over Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

He was the best performing defender in the outing despite playing in an unfamiliar position.

He also helped his side keep a clean sheet as they advance to the next round of the FA cup with their 2-0 victory.

On Wednesday night, the Cottagers held Tottenham Hotspurs to a 1-1 draw. Aina and his teammate Ademola Lookman got a 7 out of 10 rating in the game.

Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)

Sanusi was impressive yet again in his side’s 4-1 victory over FC Famalicao on Friday.

The Nigerian left-back was by far the best performing defender in the outing, attempting the most tackles and making the most interceptions in the match.

He also completed the most dribbles in the game which is quite impressive for a defender. His most outstanding attribute is his consistency, as he continues to deliver impressive performances week in, week out.

Alex Iwobi (Everton)

Iwobi didn’t have his best game as he returned to Carlo Ancelotti’s starting line up in their FA cup outing against Rotherham United on Saturday.

The Nigerian winger struggled to make a noticeable impact in the game and was subbed off in the 61st minute to make way for Abdoulaye Docoure, who netted the winner for the Toffees in extra time.

But against Wolves on Tuesday night, he produced an impressive performance that saw him score the opening goal. Everton won the match through a later header from Michael Keane.

Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)

Ndidi gave a decent performance in his side’s FA Cup victory over Stoke City on Saturday. It wasn’t one of his best performances but was enough to help his side keep a clean sheet as they clinched a 4-0 victory over their hosts.

His compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho made an appearance when he came off the bench for Harvey Barnes in the 82nd minute.

Paul Onuachu (Genk)

Onuachu scored three goals in the course of the week taking his goal tally in the league to 19, 5 clear of the second top scorer in the league.

It wasn’t all positive however, as they lost their last outing in a 2-1 defeat to Kortrijk on Saturday.

Players of Nigerian descent

Matthew Olosunde (Rotherham United)

Olosunde gave a man of the match performance against top tier English side Everton in their FA cup tie on Saturday. The USA international’s attacking qualities were most pleasing to the eye. He registered the most shots on target of the game and scored Rottertham’s leveller early in the second half.

This gave his side a chance to take get something from the game. He didn’t neglect his defensive duties either, making two interceptions in the game.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Bukayo Saka came in alongside Granit Xhaka on the stroke of 90 minutes in the FA Cup third-round clash against Newcastle.

Their contribution eventually helped the gunners open the Tyneside defence to secure a passage to the next round.

It is hoped that more Super Eagles players and those of Nigerian descent get more opportunities in Europe this weekend.