Euro roundup: Akpoguma on target, Simon helps Nantes progress, Okoye returns

The coronavirus forced the Premier League to postpone several matches, but there was still a lot of action across other European Leagues involving Nigerian stars 

Soccernet brings a lowdown of how Nigerian players fared for their clubs on Saturday.

In Germany, Kevin Akpoguma was Hoffenheim’s saviour after he came on to score the equaliser that earned the home side a point against Borussia Monchengladbach.

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo had put the away side ahead in the 35th minute. It looked like it would be the only goal of the game until Akpoguma, an 87th-minute substitute, headed home in the first minute of added time to seal a vital point for Hoffenheim.

It was Akpoguma’s second goal in 15 Bundesliga matches this season. Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoiniyi’s mini goal-drought continued after he fired blanks in Union Berlin’s 1-0 win at Bochum. 

In Turkey, Kayode Olanrewaju set up Mustapha Yatabare’s second goal as Sivasspor beat Kasimpasa 3-1 away from home.

However, Chidozie Awaziem was not that lucky after his side Alanyaspor lost 3-1 at home to Adana Demirspor in their Super Lig encounter. 

In Scotland, Joe Aribo was a second-half substitute while Calvin Bassey kept another clean sheet as Rangers maintained their 100% league record under Giovanni van Bronckhorst with a 1-0 win over Dundee United.

Meanwhile, In the Dutch Eredivisie, Maduka Okoye was back in action for Sparta Rotterdam, but it was an unconvincing display from him as Sparta fought back from two goals down to play a 2-2 draw against Vitesse.

In France, Moses Simon played for 73 minutes as Nantes edged out Sochaux on penalties to progress to the next round of the Coupe De France.

In Spain, Samuel Chukwueze scored his second league goal of the season to help Villarreal beat Real Sociedad 3-1 at Anoeta. 

Kenneth Omeruo was also on target as Leganes secured a 2-0 win at Malaga. Also, Rasheedat Ajibade was on target, scoring twice in Atletico Madrid Femenino’s 6-1 thrashing of Real Betis.