Europa League: Despair for Ndidi, joy for Moses, Osimhen as Napoli, Spartak book knockout round spot

The Foxes Nigerian imports will have to continue their European adventure in the Conference League, but the former Chelsea star and the Nigerian striker can look forward to knockout football in Europe’s second-tier competition 

Wilfred Ndidi played the whole 90 minutes, but it was a disappointment for him as Leicester City’s Europa League journey ended following a 3-2 loss to Napoli in their clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

When the draw for the Europa League group stages was made, it was already known that at least a Nigerian player would miss out on qualification in Group C, and unfortunately, it was the guys from Leicester.

Brendan Rodgers men went into their final group game, knowing they needed to avoid defeat to stand a chance of progressing into the next round.

However, they got off to a bad start as Adam Ounas put Napoli ahead in the fourth minute. Luciano Spalleti’s men were missing star striker Victor Osimhen, but they did not feel his absence as Eljif Elmas doubled their advantage in the 24th minute.

At that point, the Neapolitans appeared to be cruising to a straightforward victory. But the Foxes got themselves back into the game after Jonny Evans fired home from inside the box in the 27th minute.

Six minutes later, the Foxes were levelled, courtesy of a fine volley from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Dewbury goal put Leicester in the driving seat for qualification at the expense of their hosts.

But there was to be more twist as Elmas scored his second of the game in the 53rd minute to put Napoli ahead again.

The strike proved to be the final goal of the game despite Leicester’s efforts to find the equaliser. The result knocked Rodgers men out of the competition after Spartak Moscow beat Legia Warsaw 1-0 in the other group game.

The Russian side, who had Victor Moses in their side, got the much-needed win through Zelimkhan Bakaev’s strike in the 17th minute.

Spartak topped the group by virtue of a better head-head record against Napoli and will go directly into the round of 16.

Napoli, meanwhile, will compete in a two-legged knockout playoff against one of the third-placed sides in the Champions League for a place in the round of 16.

However, the Foxes will have to continue their European adventure in the Europa Conference League playoff round.