Nigerians in Europe: Kadiri scores a hat-trick as Iheanacho and Lookman seal Foxes passage

Football action resumed in Europe with some midweek games. For some countries, it was the resumption of League Cup competitions, while for some, it was the continuation of League fixtures.

Nigerian players were steadily involved in these games, and this is Soccernet’s compilation of some of these players.

Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi 

The two Nigeria internationals were involved in Leicester City’s EFL cup fixture away at Millwall. They were part of a strong lineup from Brendan Rodgers.

Kelechi scored Leicester City’ second goal in the 88th minute to give the Foxes a soft cushion. Ndidi was also impressive in the midfield.

Meanwhile, Leicester City’s first goal was scored by Ademola Lookman, who is of Nigerian descent.

Samuel Kalu

It seemed like the Nigerian forward had lost his place in the lineup at Bordeaux as he hadn’t started a game since he returned from the international break.

However, after his heroics of Tuesday, he could force his way back into the first team. Kalu was introduced in the second half of Bordeaux’s Ligue One clash against Montpelier. The Nigerian then went on to score an 85th-minute equaliser to help his side to a 3-3 draw.

Moses Simon 

Moses experienced every minute of action in Nantes’ Ligue One triumph against Brest. Before the game, he was just two assists behind Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, who have the highest number of assists in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

However, he wasn’t able to move closer as he was not credited for Lilian Brassier’s own goal. But he would take solace in the fact that he played a role in helping his side to a 3-1 victory.

Terem Moffi

Moffi played 87 minutes in Lorient’s hard fought 1-0 victory against Nice. Moffi failed to find the net, but his contributions were important. His runs kept the Nice defence in check. However, he was only able to register one shot off target throughout the game.

Simy Nwankwo

The tall Nigerian had his second start as Salernitana welcomed Verona. However, he was substituted for Djuric in the 58th minute.

The former Crotone goal machine is yet to find the net this season, and yesterday was not an exemption as his Salernitana side had to make do with a 2-2 draw.

His compatriot Joel Obi watched the game from the bench.

Tyrone Ebuehi and David Okereke

Both players were involved in Venezia’s 2-0 defeat against AC Milan. Ebuehi played 74 minutes, while David Okereke was introduced as a 74th-minute substitute.

Unlucky day for them as they had to succumb to a 2-0 defeat.

Paul Onuachu

The big striker for Genk just can’t stop scoring. The former Midtjylland hitman just had his contract renewed, and he celebrated it with a brace. 

The 27-year-old scored his first in the 13th minute before converting an 80th-minute penalty. However, the two goals only served as consolation for Genk as they lost 4-2 to Royal Antwerp.

Peter Olayinka and Ubong Ekpai

Olayinka returned to action for Slavia Prague after almost a month of inactivity. He played 45 minutes for his side in his return from injury but was taken off at halftime.

Meanwhile, compatriot Ubong Ekpai came one at the break, and he helped the team secure a 4-2 victory against Velvary in the Czech cup, despite going down 2-0 at halftime.

Kadiri Jordan Attah

The 21-year-old was in action for Stromsgodset in their Norwegian cup fixture against Stabaek. The Nigerian forward wasted no time announcing his talent as he scored a hat-trick to help his side secure a 5-1 victory.

Stabaek took the lead in the fifth minute through Sturla Ottesen, but goals from Halldor Stenevik and Gustav Valsvikn turned the tie around for the home side in the first half.

The second half proved to be Attah’s show as he scored three times for a comfortable 5-1 win.