Mixed fortunes for Nigerian stars in the Champions League

The first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round took place on Tuesday, but it was not a good night for most Nigerian stars in action

Paul Onuachu was able to get the monkeys off his back as he scored the opening goal in Genk’s clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Onuachu’s 39th-minute header put the home side in front, but his effort was nullified by second-half goals from Tete and Alan Patrick.

The introduction of Cyril Dessers in the 81st minute couldn’t rescue a draw for the Blue-whites, and they would have to travel to Ukraine to save the tie.

Innocent Bonke was on the winning side as Malmo welcomed Rangers. The midfielder played all 90 minutes for Malmo in their 2-1 win against the Scottish Champions.

Steven Davis’ late goal was the only consolation for the Gers after a lapse in concentration in the opening minutes of the second half saw Soren Rieks and Veljko Birmancevic score for Malmo.

Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun were not in the squad that travelled to Sweden.

There was no heroic performance from Raphael Onyedika as his Midtjylland side fell to a 3-0 defeat to Madueke’s PSV.

Noni Madueke opened the scoring for his Dutch side in the 19th minute, and it was followed up swiftly by goals from Mario Gotze and Cody Gakpo. The goals were enough to condemn Midtjylland to a 3-0 defeat.