The weekend of great and exciting football is back again as players across Europe will be hoping to make an impressive impact in their respective teams.
Nigerian players are not also left out as players such as Samuel Chukwueze of Villarreal, Leicester City duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Henry Onyekuru of Monaco, Oghenakharo Etebo of Stoke City, Kenneth Omeruo of Leganes, Simon Moses of Nantes, Jamiu Collins of Paderborn to mention a few, will be in action this weekend.
Soccernet X-ray some of the Nigerian internationals that would be on parade for their respectful clubs in Europe.
Aston Villa vs Everton
Alex Iwobi
Super Eagles forward, Alex is a doubt for Everton’s game against Aston Villa’s today (Friday) after Marco Silva confirmed he’s still lacking match fitness.
The Nigerian international who was signed from Arsenal on deadline day has missed two of Toffess’s opening fixtures in the Premier League.
Levante vs Villarreal
Samuel Chukwueze
Super Eagles rave of the moment in the Spanish League, Samuel Chukwueze will be hoping to continue from his superlative performance of last weekend when Villarreal visit Levante today (Friday).
Having recently been named the Spanish League revelation player of the year by Villarreal early this week, Chukwueze, who opened his goal-scoring account in a 4-goal thriller against Granada, is poised for another blissful display today.
Last season, he scored five goals and assisted two others in 26 appearances for the Yellow Submarines all through the season.
Genk vs Anderlecht
Stephen Odey
Nigerian international, Stephen Odey’s quest of becoming a household name in the Belgian League continues today as Genk play host to eternal rivals, Anderlecht.
Odey joined his new club after enjoying a successful season with Swiss club FC Zurich, where he scored 14 goals in all competitions last season.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Southampton
Leon Balogun
Unless the unexpected happens, Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun may well continue on the bench as Brighton Albion welcome Southampton in Saturday’s Premier League clash.
Balogun was part of the Nigerian squad that won a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he featured predominately in the team.
Last season, the ‘Oyibo half’ defender, managed just eight games for the team in all competitions and scored one goal.
Norwich vs Chelsea
Fikayo Tomori/Tammy Abraham
Yet to decide on their international future, Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham are expected to feature in Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Norwich on Saturday.
The youngsters have been part of Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard’s game plan as they have tasted actions in the English top division game.
Recall that Abraham started for Chelsea in their 4-0 loss to Man United and also missed the Blues last penalty kick to gift Liverpool the UEFA Super Cup a fortnight ago.
Sheffield United vs Leicester City
Wilfred Ndidi/Kelechi Iheanacho
Hard tackling Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi is certainly going to retain his starting shirt in Leicester City’s away clash against newly-promoted Sheffield United in Saturday’s Premier Leash tie.
Ndidi, who netted against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend, will be hoping to take his game one step further against Sheffield United.
The former Nathan Boys star played a significant role in the team’s impressive showing last season where he scored two goals in 40 appearances in all competitions.
On the other hand, Kelechi Iheanacho may have to continue from the bench in Saturday’s EPL tie against Sheffield United. The Nigerian international is yet to feature in team manager, Brenda Rodger’s team this season.
Watford vs West Ham
Isaac Success and Bamidele Bashiru
Super Eagles striker, Isaac Success may not be in the good books of manager, Javi Gracia, but, he would be hoping for mother-luck in a bid to play a part against West Ham in Saturday’s Premier League.
In Watford’s last games of the previous campaign, Gracia preferred to utilize the 23-year-old Nigerian as an impact player, evidenced by his cameos against Huddersfield, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Chelsea.
Flying Eagles midfielder, Bamidele Bashiru joined Watford from Man City this summer and is yet to feature for the club this season.
Derby vs West Brom
Semi Ajayi
Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi will be hoping to help West Brom pick another point as the team face a tough test against Derby County in Saturday’s Championship clash.
Ajayi joined West Brom from Rotherham this summer after an impressive season, where he also played for the Super Eagles during the 2019 AFCON qualifiers.
Stoke City vs Leeds United
Oghenekharo Etebo
Stoke City will be depending on Super Eagles ‘workaholic’ midfielder, Etebo Oghenekharo to help the team pick another point as the team face league leaders, Leeds City in Saturday’s Championship game.
The Potters suffered a 3-1 loss to Preston North End with Etebo culpable for one the goals. However, he will be hoping to bounce back in the game against Bielsa’s team.
SC Paderborn 07 vs Freiburg
Jamiu Collins
A revelation for the Super Eagles at the 2019 AFCON, Jamiu Collins has remained a regular starter for Paderborn as they face Freiburg in Saturday’s Bundesliga game.
He played the full 90 minutes in the team’s opening day 3-2 loss to Bayer Leverkusen but will be hoping the team get their first win of the season when they take on Freiburg
Amiens vs Nantes
Simon Moses
Simon Moses will begin life with Nantes in the French League with a tie against Amiens on Saturday. The former Levante striker will be hoping to hit the ground running with goals for his new club.
Dijon vs Bordeaux
Samuel Kalu
Last season was a moment of trial for Super Eagles winger, Samuel Kalu but the player is determined to give his game a lift this season as he hopes to feature in Bordeaux’s away game against Dijon in the Ligue 1 on Saturday.
Kalu has managed three goals in 21 appearances for Bordeaux in all competitions and will be hoping to shine against Dijon.
Benfica vs Porto
Tyronne Ebuehi
Tyronne Ebuehi will not be part of Benfica’s game on Saturday against Porto in Portugal. The Super Eagles defender is still recuperating from his injury.
Leganes vs Atletico Madrid
Kenneth Omeruo
Super Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo faces a tough challenge as Leganes host Atletico Madrid in Sunday’s La Liga fixture.
Omeruo, who was on loan with the Spanish side last season, joined the team on a permanent basis after complete a deal from parent club, Chelsea.
Udinese vs Milan
William Troost-Ekong
Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong will commence his Serie A campaign with Udinese against Milan on Sunday. Troost-Ekong was part of Nigeria’s bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team defeated Tunisia 1-0 in the third-place match.
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