It was an evening of mixed fortunes for two Nigerian stars in the domestic championships in Turkey and Denmark
While Nigerian forward Anthony Nwakaeme’s delightful performance helped his Turkish side to a narrow home victory, midfielder Frank Onyeka was not so lucky as his Danish side suffered a rare defeat at home.
Anastasios Bakasetas’ 61st-minute goal was all Trabzonspor needed to secure their fifth consecutive win in all competitions and rise to fourth on the Super Lig table.
But Nwakaeme was one of his side’s most influential players in attack and defence, getting shots in and completing seven dribbles while winning 12 of 19 duels and putting in four tackles.
However, the one-cap Super Eagles ace has not found the back of the net since scoring in the 3-1 triumph over Konyaspor in mid-January.
In Denmark, little-known Rilwan Hassan helped Sonderjyske claim a stunning 2-1 away victory over Frank Onyeka’s high-flying Midtjylland side.
Onyeka has been crucial to the league leaders streaking together a four-match winning run in all competitions.
But it all came crashing down at the MCH Arena, where goals from Mads Albak and Anders Jacobsen overpowered the hosts, who had Eric Sviatchenko’s late goal as a mere consolation.
Onyeka has featured in ten of Midtjylland’s 14 league games, scoring once.