Awoniyi’s strike lifts Union past Leipzig; Rabiu, Nwakali, Sanusi star in wins

It was a Friday night of European club football, and Soccernet.ng brings you some of the highlights involving Nigerian footballers.

At the Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Berlin, Awoniyi proved to be a difference-maker as Union Berlin secured a 2-1 derby win over high-flying neighbours, Leipzig.

After firing blanks in the Iron Ones’ last-gasp defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt last time around, Awoniyi needed just six minutes to put the home side ahead against the visitors.

It was the Nigerian international’s ninth Bundesliga goal of the season and his 14th top-flight strike for Union Berlin, retaining his sole status as the club’s record top-scorer in the competition.

Nkunku equalised for Leipzig seven minutes after, but Baumgartl’s second-half effort sealed all three points for Urs Fischer’s men.

Three Nigerian stars, Ezekiel Henty, Uche Agbo, and Rabiu Ibrahim played their parts to power Slovan Bratislava to a fine 2-1 win away to Zlaté Moravce in game week 17 of the Slovakian Super Liga.

Henty has been Slovan’s best player this term, with the striker netting a club-leading nine goals in 17 games. He was, however, kept quiet at the Stadion FC ViOn.

But compatriot and FIFA U-17 World Cup winner Rabiu stepped up to the plate to give his side the lead in the 61st minute.

Vladimir Weiss added a second in the 82nd minute before Dubek grabbed a consolation goal for the home side deep into stoppage time.

Slovan Bratislava remain top of the league table with an 11-point lead over second-place Spartak Trnava, who have played one fewer game.

At the Estadio El Alcoraz in Spain, Kelechi Nwakali featured for all 90 minutes as Huesca carved out a thrilling 3-2 victory over visiting Real Valladolid.

Nwakali was not among the goals, but he showed elements of his attacking qualities when stationed just behind Argentine forward Adolfo Gaich.

The latest win lifts Xisco Muñoz’s men to just two points short of a promotion playoff spot.

At the Estádio Municipal de Portimão in Portugal, Super Eagles fullback Saidu Zanusi delivered an impressive performance as Porto handed a 3-0 thrashing to their hosts Portimonense.

Porto had scored all the game’s goals before Portimonense introduced Nigerian youngster Abraham Marcus from the bench in the 81st-minute.

Sanusi was substituted a minute later as Sérgio Conceição’s men returned to the top of the table, levelled on 35 points with Sporting Lisbon.