UCL Round-Up: Oshoala Shines But Mixed Fortunes For Sanusi And Onyeka

The three Nigerian stars featured for their respective sides as the group stages of the UEFA Champions League finished while the Women Champions League playoffs also took place

Super Falcons star, Asisat Oshoala was on target as Barcelona Femeni secured a 4-1 win over PSV in the first leg of their UEFA Women’s Champions League playoffs. It was Oshoala’s fourth goal in all competitions this season having scored three times in the Spanish top-flight.

Barcelona were dominant from start to finish, and they took the lead inside the opening four minutes courtesy of a tap-in from Jenni Hermoso.

La Blaugranes extended their lead on the stroke of half-time as PSV captain Van den Berg diverted the ball into her own net.

Oshoala then got on the act in the 66th minute, tapping home from close range, while Lieke Martens made it four in the 75th minute.

PSV pulled one back in the 89th minute through Joelle Smits, but Barcelona are well-placed to qualify for the next round ahead of the second leg next week.

Meanwhile, it was an evening to forget for Nigerian star that was involved in the playoffs as Christy Ucheibe was sent off in Benfica’s humiliating loss to Chelsea. 

Ucheibe was sent off for two bookable offence as Chelsea ran out 5-0 winners ahead of the second leg in England next week.

In the men’s competition, Zaidu Sanusi clocked in another 90 minutes for the sixth consecutive game as Porto sealed a 2-0 win at Olympiacos in their final group match.

Porto, who had already secured a place in the last 16, took the lead in the 16th minute through an Otavio penalty, which was awarded following a VAR review.

The Dragons made it two 13 minutes from time courtesy of a strike from Mateus Uribe.  Sanusi, who has one goal to his name in the competition, was once again impressive in defence and attack.

Finally, Frank Onyeka lasted for 63 minutes as Midtjylland’s woeful campaign came to an end with an impressive draw against Premier League champions, Liverpool.

Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead inside the first minute, but Alexander Scholz penalty in the 62nd minute salvaged a point for the home side.