Former Golden Eaglets hero Ibrahim stars, Henty strikes as Slovan Bratislava secure Europa League advantage

The two Nigerian players played crucial roles to help the Slovakian champions gain a first-leg advantage in the continental championship

Nigerian forward Ezekiel Henty scored the visitors’ third goal as Slovan Bratislava forced a 3-1 defeat Lincoln Red Imps at the Victoria Stadium.

2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Ibrahim Rabiu was also impressive for the Slovakians as they gained a massive advantage in their first-leg clash of the Europa League qualifying round.

Still smarting from their aggregate loss to Young Boys in the Champions League that condemned them to Europe’s second-tier club competition, Slovan Bratislava got down to business quickly in Gibraltar.

Defensive kingpin Guram Kashia opened the scoring in the 16th minute before midfielder Jaromir Zmrhal doubled the visitors’ advantage three minutes into the second period.

And in the 69th minute, Henty pounced on a Vladimir Weiss pass to net a third for coach Vladimir Weiss’ men.

It is Henty’s first goal in the Europa League for the Sky Blues, adding to the two he grabbed in four UCL games before his team was knocked out of the continent’s premier club competition.

Walker converted from the penalty spot in the 76th minute to reduce the deficit for Lincoln Red Imps. Still, Slovan Bratislava will return to Slovakia confident of completing the job in the return leg next week.