Super Eagles round up: Ekong makes a rare error on a day of mixed fortunes for Nigerian stars

The action continued across Europe’s domestic leagues on Saturday, but it was a day of mixed fortunes for Nigerian stars  

William Troost-Ekong, Oghenekaro Etebo and Emmanuel Dennis all featured for Watford, but they could not prevent the Hornets from a 2-0 loss against Brighton in their Premier League clash at the Amex Stadium.

The three players had played a key role in the opening day win over Aston Villa, with Emmanuel Dennis opening his account.

However, they were given a reality check on Saturday evening as goals from Shane Duffy and Neal Maupay gave Graham Potter’s men a comfortable victory.

Ekong, in particular, would be disappointed with his performance as he gave away a loose pass for Brighton’s second goal.

In other Premier League games involving Nigerians, Frank Onyeka made one key pass and had one shot on target as Brentford built on their win against Arsenal with a point at Crystal Palace.

Onyeka was on the pitch for 71 minutes as Brentford held the Eagles to a goalless draw. At the Elland Road, Alex Iwobi gave another good display as Everton held Leeds United to a 2-2 draw. 

In Russia, Chidera Ejuke continued his excellent start to the season as he scored the second to help CSKA Moscow to a 2-0 win over Akhmat Grozny. 

Meanwhile, Maduka Okoye put the disappointment of last Sunday’s result behind him after his crucial saves helped Sparta Rotterdam secure their first point of the season in the Eredivisie.

In another game in the Dutch top-flight, highly-rated Nigerian prospect Noni Madueke came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the season as PSV thrashed Cambuur 4-1.

Davy Pröpper put the home side ahead in the 18th minute before Eran Zahavi doubled the advantage put the three minutes later.

Madueke scored the third three minutes after coming on at half-time. Alex Bangura pulled one back for Cambuur in the 66th minute, but Olivier Boscagli’s strike in stoppage time sealed an emphatic win for PSV.