Nigerians Abroad: Ejuke, Akpeyi Shine But Heartbreak For Aribo

A couple of Nigerian players were in action for their clubs on Saturday, and Soccernet.ng brings a report of how each player fared.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi, was the man of the match as Kaizer Chiefs won the bragging rights in the Soweto derby.

Lebogang Manyama 30th minute strike gave Chiefs the win over Orlando Pirates, but Ernst Middendorp’s men have Akpeyi to thank for keeping Pirates at bay.

Picked ahead of club legend, Itumeleng Khune, the former Chippa United goalkeeper made a series of fine saves to deny the Bucs a point.

His performance earned him a man of the match award as Chiefs completed a league double over their rivals for the first time since 2006.

In the Dutch League, Chidera Ejuke was once again the star man for Heerenveen as they defeated FC Twente away from home.

The 22-year-old scored and provided an assist as Jonny Jansen’s men finally secure their first win in 2020. Hicham Faik put Heerenveen ahead in the fourth minute after Alan Halilovic’s shot was pushed into his path.

Three minutes after the break, Ejuke doubled De Superfriezen’s lead following a ball from Halilovic. The Nigerian then turn provider for Joey Veerman whose goal put the result beyond doubt.

Twente pulled one back in the 65th minute from the penalty spot before Lindon Selahi strike in the 72nd minute set up a nervy finish. But Heerenveen held on for their first win of the year.

In Scotland, Joe Aribo played the whole 90 minutes, but could not prevent Rangers from going out in the Scottish Cup.

Steven Gerrard’s men were dumped out by a spirited Hearts side. Oliver Bozanic, 58th-minute strike, secured Hearts passage into the semi-final.

And Finally in Germany, Jamilu Collins was in action for Paderborn, but he could do nothing as his side went down at Mainz.

Robin Quaison put Mainz ahead in the 29th minute before Karim Onisiwo sealed the win for Die Nullfünfer eight minutes later.

Paderborn remain rooted at the bottom of the Bundesliga table with just 16 points from 24 games.