Nigerian players in Europe scorecard: Chukwueze missing, Arokodare on target

It is a week till one of Europe’s top five leagues returns, but those plying their trades in the lower echelons are also important

Also important are those involved in their clubs’ preparatory games. This is a scorecard of some Nigerian players and how they fared in their various teams.

Frank Onyeka, the new bee, got his first start when Brentford played against West Ham in a pre-season friendly match.

Brentford Coach Thomas Frank played the versatile player in central midfield, and he was good for the 45 minutes he spent on the pitch. With him, The Bees were tight in midfield and managed to keep out the West Ham attack out.

The Nigerian was replaced by Shandon Baptiste at half-time. However, it was  West Ham that got the win through a 66th-minute strike from Said Benrahma.

In Denmark, Midtjylland Champions League hero Raphael Onyedika was deployed in a double pivot midfield in Midtjylland’s 2-0 win at Viborg.

The hosts managed to hold the attack of The Wolves for long spells in the game. It looked like the game was heading for a goalless stalemate until Evander and Anders Dreyer stepped up in the 71st and 77th minute to help the Danish Champions to a second win this season.

In France, Tolu Arokodare couldn’t salvage the situation for his Amiens side as they lost away at AC Ajaccio.

A 47th minute converted penalty from the Nigerian looked to have given Amiens the belief that they could salvage a draw after conceding two in the first half.

But a 74th-minute goal from Bevit Oko ensured that Ajaccio ran out 3-1 winners.

Samuel Chukwueze was not in the match-day squad for Villarreal as they squared up against Marseille. The Nigerian missed the game due to an injury.

Villarreal lost 2-1 to Marseille as a late goal from Alberto Moreno wasn’t enough to cancel goals from Dimitri Payet and Fer Nino, who scored in his net.