Shehu Helps Nicosia Stun Arch-Rivals; Akpoguma Missing In Hoffenheim Win

Omonia Nicosia handed a comprehensive 3-0 defeat to bitter rivals APOEL at the Neo GSP Stadium in a game week 13 clash, with Nigerian international Abdullahi Shehu playing his part for the visitors.

Shehu, who started on the bench for Nicosia, was introduced into the encounter in the 69th-minute with his side leading 1-0 thanks to Michael Lüftner’s first-half strike.

The hosts, who had lost just one of their last seven matches, were keen on grabbing an equaliser, but Shehu did his bit to help Henning Berg’s men keep a clean sheet.

Nicosia then added gloss to the scoreline thanks to goals from Kousoulos and Duris.

APOEL’s 22-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, however, didn’t make the matchday squad list as he is still recuperating from a career-threatening injury.

In Germany, Super Eagles defender Kevin Akpoguma was an unused substitute as Hoffenheim beat Augsburg 3-1 in their Bundesliga clash. 

Florian Grillitsch’s double for Hoffenheim on either side of the halftime break, which sandwiched Daniel Caligiuri’s momentary equaliser, propelled the home side towards victory at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim.

Ihlas Bebou’s fine finish early in the second half then guaranteed maximum points for Sebastian Hoeness’ side.

German defender of Nigerian origin Felix Uduokhai featured for all ninety minutes for the defeated visitors.

Augsburg’s Nigerian attacker Noah Sarenren Bazee, however, missed the match as he is still down with a knee ligament injury, which has kept him out of action since a 3-1 win over Mainz back In October.

Akpoguma, though, will look to be involved when Hoffenheim host Belgian side Gent on Thursday in a Europa League matchday six clash.

The German club are already through to the knockout stage of the competition as group leaders after winning four and drawing one of their five matches.