Contrasting Fortunes For Iwobi And Ajayi As VAR Denies Maja

It was a night of mixed fortunes for the three Nigerian stars in the Premier League games that were played on Thursday night

Alex Iwobi earned a start, but Semi Ajayi was on the bench throughout as Everton edged out West Brom in their Premier League encounter at the Hawthorns.

A Richarlison header off a perfect cross from Gylfi Sigurdsson was all Carlo Ancelotti’s men needed to seal the three points.

Before the clash against West Brom, Iwobi had been a substitute in Everton’s last two games in the league, coming on as a late substitute in the win against Southampton and Liverpool, respectively.

The 24-year-old featured for 57 minutes last night before he was replaced by Allan. Meanwhile, Semi Ajayi was an unused substitute for West Brom.

The Super Eagles defender is one of the first names in the Baggies lineup this season but was on the bench throughout last night.

Ajayi has now missed West Brom’s last two games after missing the win over Brighton due to a red card he received in the match against Burnley.

In another Premier League game, Super Eagles star Josh Maja was denied his third Premier League goal after VAR ruled out his effort in Fulham’s clash against Tottenham.

Spurs won back-to-back Premier League games for the first time since November as they beat the Cottagers courtesy of an own goal from Tosin Adarabioyo.

However, Fulham would feel hard-done after VAR ruled out Maja’s equaliser. The former Sunderland striker taught he had restored parity for the home side, but the strike was ruled out after Mario Lemina handled the ball in the build-up.

Ola Aina and Ademola Lookman also featured for Fulham for the entire duration. The result left Fulham in the relegation zone, three points behind Newcastle.