Nigerians Abroad: Mixed Fortunes For Onuachu, Ajayi As Ndidi Wins Battle Against Mikel

Nigerian stars featured for their respective clubs on Saturday as action continued across European leagues and cup competitions

It was a day of mixed fortunes for Paul Onuachu and Semi Ajayi as they were both on target, but could not prevent their teams from losing.

Onuachu scored his 19th goal of the season in the Belgian top-flight, but Genk missed the chance to go top as they were beaten 2-1 at Kortrijk.

The 26-year-old levelled the scores for Genk in the 41st minute after Habib Gueye had given Kortrijk the lead in the 21st minute. However, Gueye’s second in the 54th minute was enough to give Kortrijk the three points.

Meanwhile, in England, Ajayi was also on the score sheet for West Brom, but the Baggies were dumped out of the FA Cup by Blackpool.

Jerry Yates put Blackpool ahead five minutes before half-time, but Ajayi’s header in the 52nd minute restored parity for West Brom.

Gary Madine restored the homes side’s lead on the hour mark but Matheus Pereira penalty ten minutes from time ensured the match went into extra time. Following 30 minutes of extra-time, the game went into penalties, and it was Blackpool that came out on top.

In other FA Cup games, Wilfred Ndidi came up against former Super Eagles captain, John Mikel Obi as Leicester City travelled to the Bet 365 Stadium to take on Stoke City.

It was the Foxes that sealed progress to the next round following a 4-0 win. Goals from James Justin, Marc Albrighton, Ayoze Perez and Harvey Barnes secured an emphatic win for Brendan Rodgers men.

Both Ndidi and Mikel were on the pitch for the entire duration while Kelechi Iheanacho came on for Harvey Barnes in the 82nd minute.

Ola Aina was also in action as Fulham moved into the fourth round following a 2-0 win over QPR at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

Aina was on from start to finish as extra-time goals from Bobby Reid and Neeskens Kebano broke the resistance of QPR.

At Old Trafford, Odion Ighalo was an unused substitute as Manchester United edged out a Watford side that had William Troost Ekong in their line-up.  Scott Mctominay’s header inside five minutes was enough for the Red Devils to seal their spot in the next round.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Taiwo Awoniyi could not add to his five-goal tally for the as Union Berlin played out a 2-2 draw against Wolfsburg.

Renato Steffen gave Wolfsburg the lead, but Sheraldo Becker and Marcus Ingvartsen strikes turned the tie around for Union. However, Wout Weghorst penalty in the 65th minute ensured both teams shared the spoils.

Tyronne Ebuehi made his 15th league appearance of the season as FC Twente secured a brilliant win away from home at FC Emmen.

Ebuehi played for 89 minutes and was solid at both ends of the pitch. Goals from Václav Černý, Queensy Menig and Jesse Bosch gave Twente a three-goal lead in the first half.

Miguel Araujo pulled one back for Emmen in the 59th minute, but Černý’s second of the game in the 63rd minute sealed a comprehensive win for Twente.