European took a backstage this week with International football taking centre stage. Soccernet.ng takes a look at some of the big stories of the International week.
Red Hot Osimhen: He has been impressive for Lille this season, scoring nine goals in 17 appearances, and he continued in the same vein on international duty. The 20-year-old was on target in Super Eagles AFCON 2021 qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho respectively. The former Royal Charleroi scored from the spot in Nigeria’s win over Benin, while he provided two assists and scored a brace in the team’s 4-2 victory over Lesotho.
Tammy Abraham Scores First Goal For England: The Chelsea striker scored his first goal for the Three Lions since he chose to represent them ahead of Nigeria. Abraham scored England’s seventh goal as Gareth Southgate’s men sealed Euro 2020 qualification with a 7-0 win over Montenegro.
Messi Makes Goalscoring Return: After missing Argentina’s games in September and October, Lionel Messi made a return to the Albiceleste team, scoring the lone goal in the win over arch-rivals, Brazil. The Barcelona captain scored from a penalty rebound after Alisson Becker had saved his initial spot-kick.
Olympic Eagles Crash Out: Aside from the Super Eagles, 2019 has been a bad year for Nigerian football. Golden Eaglets, Flying Eagles and Super Falcons all failed in the tournaments they competed in. And just last week, Nigeria’s U-23 team ensured the country will not be represented in the football event of the Tokyo Olympics after they crashed out of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
