Nigerian stars abroad: Sadiq stars; Adeboyejo scores; Akpoguma solid; Okoye loses

Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq was impressive as Almeria secured a 3-1 win over Real Valladolid in a Segunda Division match at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.

Sadiq is going through a mini-drought in front of goal at the minute, having not scored since helping Almeria beat Real Sociedad 3-1 six matches ago.

But the 24-year-old assisted his side’s second goal on Saturday to set them on the way to a victory that momentarily places coach Rubi’s men nine points ahead of nearest challenges, Eibar. Sadiq has seven goals in 14 league matches so far this term.

At the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim, Germany, Nigerian defender Kevin Akpoguma delivered a fine showing to help Hoffenheim keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 triumph over Leipzig in a Bundesliga matchday 12 clash.

Akpoguma was replaced in the 89th minute with victory already assured thanks to Samassekou’s and Dabbur’s efforts on either side of the break.

In his first match for Sparta Rotterdam since signing his move to Watford, goalkeeper Okoye could not stop his side from losing 0-1 at home to FC Twente in the Netherlands top-flight.

The young goalkeeper inked a five-and-a-half-year contract with Watford last week before helping Nigeria’s Super Eagles seal a World Cup playoff spot on Tuesday.

In the English Championship, Victor Adeboyejo netted his second goal of the season, but it was not enough to help Barnsley avoid a 4-1 thrashing at Fulham on Saturday.

The Ibadan-born attacker needed only three minutes after his 75th-minute introduction to find the net for the visitors, but there was no stopping high-flying Fulham at the Craven Cottage.

In the Saudi Arabian Pro League, Super Eagles returnee Odion Ighalo fired blanks as Al Shabab forced their hosts Al Faisaly to a 0-0 draw inside the Al Majma’ah Sports City Stadium.