Nigerian footballers loved a productive weekend throughout Europe, with Kelechi Iheanacho extending his scoring streak in Turkey, Semi Ajayi delivering an impressive defensive efficiency for Hull City and Chidozie Awaziem scoring twice for Konyaspor.
Gift Orban and Olakunle Olusegun additionally discovered the online for his or her respective golf equipment, whereas David Okereke contributed a purpose and two assists in Italy. In England, Alex Iwobi reached one other Premier League milestone, whereas Friday Etim continued his spectacular type in Denmark.
Iheanacho retains scoring
Iheanacho led the weekend’s headlines after scoring in Bursaspor’s 4-2 victory over Keçiörengücü in Turkey.
The ahead took his tally to 16 objectives and three assists in 12 appearances, extending his scoring streak to 12 consecutive league matches. The victory additionally despatched Bursaspor to the highest of the Turkish 1. Lig desk.
His continued goalscoring type has made him one of many standout Nigerian performers overseas this season.
Ajayi earns double recognition
Semi Ajayi was one other Nigerian who attracted consideration after serving to Hull City safe a 1-1 draw in opposition to Brentford on the MKM Stadium.
The Nigerian worldwide was instrumental within the Tigers’ defensive effort as they responded to their earlier defeat to Fulham, incomes two Man of the Match awards for his efficiency.
“It’s important that we had a good bounce back from last week; we did that,” Ajayi informed Sky Sports after the match.
The defender gained 5 of the six tackles he tried, made 4 clearances, recorded 5 recoveries and produced two interceptions.
His show earned him the Premier League Player of the Match award, whereas he additionally gained Hull City’s official Man of the Match ballot with 43.6 per cent of the votes, ending forward of Oli McBurnie, Tim Iroegbunam and Lewis Coyle.
Despite the person recognition, Ajayi admitted that Hull City have been dissatisfied to not declare all three factors.
“We are definitely disappointed not to come away with the three points, but a point at home is always positive,” he added.
Awaziem scores twice
In Turkey’s high flight, Awaziem produced one of many weekend’s most notable performances, scoring twice to assist Konyaspor beat Gençlerbirliği 2-0.
The Nigerian centre-back opened the scoring shortly earlier than half-time earlier than including a second early within the second half to safe the victory.
The brace was a major attacking contribution from a defender and helped Konyaspor declare all three factors.
Orban, Olusegun discover the online
Orban additionally made a decisive contribution, changing a penalty as Amedspor got here from behind to defeat Samsunspor 2-1.
The Super Eagles ahead scored within the 73rd minute to attract his aspect stage earlier than Dia Saba struck the winner within the 84th minute. Orban’s purpose took his league tally to eight for the season.
In Russia, Olusegun ended his look forward to a league purpose by scoring in Rostov’s 2-0 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow.
The ahead doubled Rostov’s benefit within the twenty fourth minute, ending an help from Oumar Sako after Andrei Langovich had opened the scoring.
Etim maintains type as Okuaghare debuts
Denmark additionally offered a memorable second for Nigerian soccer, with Etim scoring in Midtjylland’s 3-2 victory over Lyngby.
The ahead discovered the online three minutes after the restart, extending his workforce’s lead. He has now recorded six league objectives and three assists this season.
The match additionally marked a milestone for 18-year-old midfielder Joseph Okuaghare, who got here off the bench to make his senior debut for Midtjylland.
His look represents an essential step within the younger Nigerian’s improvement on the Danish membership.
Okereke delivers in Italy
In Italy’s Serie B, Okereke produced a powerful attacking efficiency, scoring as soon as and offering two assists as Benevento defeated Arezzo 3-0.
His contribution underlined the rising checklist of Nigerian gamers making decisive impacts for his or her golf equipment throughout Europe.
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Iwobi reaches Premier League milestone
Iwobi additionally reached a major profession milestone over the weekend, turning into the joint-second most-capped African participant in Premier League historical past.
The Fulham midfielder matched Egypt worldwide Mohamed Salah’s tally of 328 appearances within the English high flight.
At 30, Iwobi is 25 appearances in need of the report held by former Ivory Coast worldwide Kolo Touré, who made 353 Premier League appearances.
The milestone additional highlights the Nigerian midfielder’s longevity in English soccer, having performed for Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.
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