Maduka Okoye Wins Battle Of Super Eagles Stars; Akpoguma, Awoniyi Star, Crash Out Of DFB Pokal

Nigeria international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye came out on top when his side faced Tyronne Ebuehi’s Twente in the Eredivisie on Tuesday

Maduka Okoye kept a clean sheet as Sparta Rotterdam shocked high-flying FC Twente 0-2 at the De Grolsch Veste Stadium in Enschede in Gameweek 14 of the Netherlands first division.

Goals from Mario Engels before the interval and Deroy Duarte midway through the second half handed the visitors their fifth victory of the season. 

Super Eagles fullback Tyronne Ebuehi featured prominently for the hosts in his 14th league start of the season, making three clearances, one interception, and one tackle.

But it was goalkeeper Okoye who finished on the winning side, making one big save and helping his team claim a clean sheet despite enjoying just 33% of the ball possession.

In Germany, the Nigerian duo of Kevin Akpoguma and Taiwo Awoniyi crashed out of the DFB Pokal after their respective clubs suffered surprise losses at home to lower league sides.

Super Eagles defender Akpoguma scored Hoffenheim’s second goal in their 2-2 draw against Dickson Abiama’s Greuther Fürth.

22-year-old attacker Abiama was introduced from the bench in the 75th minute, but scores remained unchanged after extra-time, with the 2.Bundesliga side emerging victorious after penalties.

Akpoguma netted Hoffenheim’s fifth spot-kick, but teammate Kasim Nuhu fluffed his shot to allow Greuther Fürth to move to the Third Round of the competition.

Taiwo Awoniyi also saw his German Cup dreams fade into thin air as Union Berlin lost 2-3 at home to Jamilu Collins’ Paderborn.

The young Nigerian forward has been in sparkling form for the Bundesliga side, scoring four goals in his last six appearances for Urs Fischer’s men.

But the former Frankfurt star could not open his Cup account as his team crashed out of the DFP Pokal at the expense of their 2 Bundesliga opponents.

Collins did not make the visitors’ matchday squad.