Nigerians Abroad: Onyekuru’s Impressive Run Ends On A Bad Day For Super Eagles Stars

The former Anderlecht man could not maintain his impressive start in his third spell at Galatasaray on a disappointing day for Nigerians in Europe 

Henry Onyekuru was unable to make it four goals from his first three games for Galatasaray, although Faith Terim’s side came out top in their derby clash against Fenerbahce.

Onyekuru had scored three times in his first two games in his third stint at Galatasaray. However, he could not add to his tally in the intercontinental derby clash despite playing for 78 minutes.

The Nigerian had just one shot on target, and another shot off target for the time he was on the pitch. His international compatriot, Oghenekaro Etebo was an 87th-minute substitute as a Mostafa Mohamed’s strike in the 54th minute sealed a vital win for the Lions.

Meanwhile, Osimhen once again made an appearance off the bench, but he could not prevent Napoli from defeat at Genoa. Oshimhen is yet to start a game since recovering from coronavirus, and Saturday’s night game was not different.

The former Lille striker came on for Andrea Petagna in the 54th minute with Napoli trailing by Goran Pandev’s brace in the first half.

Osimhen had the chance to make an instant impact when a low cross found him in the box, but he could only blast his effort over the bar.

Although Matteo Politano pulled one back for Gli Azzurri, Genoa held on for a vital win. Osimhen has now lost the two league games he has played since returning from coronavirus.

In Holland, Tyronne Ebuehi made his 19th league appearance of the season for Twente, but he was on the receiving end of a 3-0 bashing from PSV.

Ebuehi was in action for 86-minutes as goals from Donyell Malen in either half sandwiched between a strike from Eran Zahavi secured a comprehensive win for Roger Schmidt’s side.

Away from Holland, Taiwo Awoniyi once again fired blanks as his return to Mainz ended in disappointment following a 1-0 loss for Union Berlin.

Awoniyi spent last season on loan at Mainz, which proved to be mostly underwhelming with just a league goal to his name.

However, he has had a good season so far at Union Berlin this campaign with five league goals already. But he could not add to his tally in the clash against his former employers.

The clash was Awoniyi’s 18th league appearance this season as a Moussa Niakhate’s penalty in the 2nd-minute sealed the win for Mainz.

In England, Josh Maja came on in the second half to make his debut appearance for Fulham, but the Cottagers relegation battle got worse following a 0-0 draw against West Ham at Craven Cottage.

Maja, who joined Fulham on loan on deadline day, came on for Antonee Robinson 11 minutes from time, but he could not open his account,

His international teammate, Ola Aina was an unused substitute, although the other two players of Nigerian descent (Ademola Lookman and Tosin Adarabioyo) were on the pitch for the entire duration.

In another Premier League game, Alex Iwobi came on 15 minutes from time as Manchester United played a 3-3 thriller against Everton at Old Trafford.

Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes had given United a two-goal lead going into the break, but Everton responded with two quickfire goals of their own after half-time.

Abdoulaye Doucoure pulled one back four minutes after the break before James Rodriguez restored parity in the 52nd minute.

Scott Mctominay thought he had won it for United when he put them ahead again in the 70th minute, but Dominic Calvert Lewin’s strike deep into injury time ensured both teams shared the spoils.