Simon helps Nantes end poor run, Dessers is off the mark, but Aribo is pegged back despite brilliant show

The three Nigerians were brilliant for their respective clubs as action on Sunday continued across Europe’s domestic leagues 

Super Eagles forward Moses Simon was outstanding for Nantes as he supplied two assists to help his side sail to a 4-1 victory against Angers in the Ligue 1.

After a run of three straight defeats, the Yellow canaries travelled to the stade Raymond-Kopa with the hope of ending their wretched streak against fourth-placed Angers.

Nantes knew if they were to take anything from the game, Nigeria’s Moses Simon would have a big role to play.

It did not take long for him to show his ability, as in the third minute, he whipped in a corner which Andrei Girotto promptly connected to, and headed home to give Nantes a one-goal lead.

Just as Angers were trying to pick up themselves, Souleyman Doumbia committed a foul in the box three minutes later, granting Nantes striker Ludovic Blas a date with Bernadoni in the penalty box. Blas didn’t take any prisoners, as he fired home, giving Nantes a two-goal lead.

Nevertheless, Angers didn’t give up, and as Simon and his teammates took their foot off the pedal, Ismael Traore scored a brilliant header to reduce the deficit.

However, Nantes went in search of goals again, and Simon was the chief orchestrator. In the 23rd minute, the Nigerian weaved past the Angers defence and squared the ball to teammate Kolo Muani who was lurking in the box. The French forward promptly stabbed the ball into the net to give Nantes a 3-1 lead going into the break.

The second half lacked the pace of the first half, but Simon Moses was still running the show. The 26-year-old had an 84% pass accuracy and attempted three dribbles. Two of his seven crosses were also accurate.

However, he was substituted for Marcus Coco in the 66th minute.

If Angers had any hopes of staging a comeback, it was destroyed by Blas, who scored Nantes fourth in the 79th minute to ensure that the Yellow Canaries ran out 4-1 victors.

Meanwhile, in the Eredivisie, it was an outstanding outing for Cyriel Dessers, who put the final nail in PSV Eindhoven’s coffin, just seven minutes after coming on to seal a 4-0 victory for Feyenoord.

The tie, which was supposed to be a tricky one for Feyenoord, turned out to be an easy show.

Jens Toornstra scored in stoppage time of the first half, and the goal proved crucial as Linsenn buttressed the goal in the 71st minute for Feyenoord before Toornstra struck again in the 85th minute to make it 3-0.

Just as PSV thought the torture was over, Cyril Dessers scored again for Feyenoord to open his account at his new club and secure a 4-0 victory against PSV.

Elsewhere in Scotland, Joe Aribo put up a great show for Rangers as he provided the assist for Fashion Sakala’s goal that gave the Gers the lead in the 12th minute against Motherwell.

However, he was let down in the 66th minute, as Woolery scored an equaliser to restore parity.

Aribo was unable to conjure another assist for his team, and despite Rangers’ seven shots on target, they had to make do with a 1-1 draw.

Leon Balogun didn’t play as he was on the bench all through.