Nigerians Abroad: Nwakaeme On Target But Bad Day At The Office For Other Super Eagles Stars

Football gradually making its return across Europe after and there were several Nigerians in action for their respective clubs.

Spanish La Liga was one of the leagues that made its return after a three-month break due to the coronavirus, and four Super Eagles stars featured for their side over the weekend.

Oghenekaro Etebo was the first in action, but he could not prevent his Getafe side from going down at Granada on Friday.

Etebo, on loan from Stoke City, played for the whole 90 minutes, but a Djene own goal and Carlos Fernandez winner secured a 2-1 win over Getafe who had opened the scoring through David Timor Copovi. 

Ramon Azeez was an unused substitute for Granada. In other La Liga games featuring Nigerian star, a Chidozie Awaziem error cost Leganes in their clash against Real Valladolid on Saturday.

The Super Eagles star partnered his international teammate Kenneth Omeruo in defence, but it was his error inside the opening two minutes that gifted Enes Unal for Valladolid’s first goal. 

Ruben Alcaraz doubled the away side’s lead in the 54th minute before Oscar Rodriguez pulled one back for Leganes from the penalty spot.

However, it was not enough as Valladolid picked up the three points, while Leganes hopes of staying up took a massive blow.

While Awaziem and Omeruo were on the losing side, it was a good day at the office for Samuel Chukwueze who played a major role in Villarreal’s win over Celta Vigo. 

The Nigerian international was brought on, and he had a hand in Manuel Trigueros late winner on Saturday evening.

Moving away from Spain to Germany, Taiwo Awoniyi made his fourth consecutive start for Mainz in the loss to Augsburg, but he only lasted 20 minutes as he was rushed to the hospital following a collision.

It was confirmed later that he had a concussion, but he is now stable. Florian Niederlechner’s opening minute strike was enough to seal the three points as Achim Beierlorzer’s side were beaten at home.

Meanwhile, Kingsley Ehizibue did not fare better either as his Cologne side were beaten by Union Berlin at home.

Goals from Marvin Friedrich and Christian Gentner sealed the three points for the capital side. Although Cologne pulled one back in added time through Jhon Cordoba, the damage had already been done.  It was Ehizibue’s 28th appearance in the German top-flight this season, and he has one goal to his name.

In Turkey, Anthony Nwakaeme scored his 11th goal of the season as his Trabzonspor title-chasing side secured another vital three points with a 3-1 away win at Goztepe. 

The Karadeniz Fırtınası are currently level on points with Istanbul Basaksehir, but they stay top due to a better goal difference.

Meanwhile, in Denmark, highly rated Frank Onyeka featured for 80 minutes as his Midtjylland side won 2-0 at Aab courtesy of goals from Erik Sviatchenko and Joel Andersson.

The 20-year-old, touted as Super Eagles next midfield general, made his 25th appearance in the Danish top division, and he is set to be a champion as Midtjylland are currently 11 points clear of FC Koebenhavn in the playoff round.