Ndidi Unlucky, Saka Assists, Ujah Flogged As Nigerian Stars Make COVID-19 Comeback

Despite there being no fans in the stands across major leagues in Europe, football returned in full flow to the pitches, especially in England, with Nigerian stars involved in the thick of the action.

First, to the English Premier League. 

Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho thought they had done enough to claim victory at Watford when Ben Chilwell scored a 90th-minute opener for the Foxes. But the Hornets salvaged a draw thanks to a late, late Craig Dawson equalizer.

Bukayo Saka provided an excellent assist for Nicolas Pepe to put Arsenal ahead at Brighton and Hove Albion. Still, the hosts scored two late goals to condemn Mikel Arteta’s men to their second defeat in three days.

In the Championship, there was no Leon Balogun in the Wigan Athletic squad that forced a 2-0 defeat down the throat of Huddersfield, with the Latics increasingly looking a team set to avoid relegation. 

Semi Ajayi was solid as a rock in defence for West Bromwich Albion, with the Nigerian defender helping the Baggies keep another clean sheet. But Birmingham City equally held firm at the back as both sides settled for a goalless draw at the Hawthorns. 

Portuguese winger Elliot Simoes’ 7th-minute strike was all Barnsley needed to triumph at Queens Park Rangers.

Ebere Eze and Bright Osayi-Samuel saw action for the entire duration of the encounter, but their best efforts could not rescue Mark Warburton’s men. 

In Germany, it was a terrible day at the office for Anthony Ujah as the striker was kept quiet while Hoffenheim thrashed his Union Berlin side by four unalloyed goals.

Relegation-threatened Mainz continued their climb to safety with an excellent 3-1 victory over Werder Bremen. Nigeria youth international Taiwo Awoniyi was not dressed for the match as he is still recuperating from an injury he picked up last weekend. 

Borussia Monchengladbach compounded the woes of relegated Paderborn, inflicting another 2-0 defeat on Jamilu Collins and teammates.