Bundesliga

Euro Leagues watch: Akpoguma proves his quality as Olise, Lookman continue their brilliant form

The big European leagues have returned from their midseason breaks, and Nigerian players who did not make Nigeria’s squad to the AFCON put up solid performances

The African Cup of Nations is just hours away. However, that has not halted club football in Europe. Some of the big leagues resumed this weekend, and some Nigerian players played vital roles to spur their sides to victory.

Super Eagles snub Kevin Apoguma put the disappointment of his AFCON snub behind him as he supplied an assist to help Hoffenheim cruise to a 3-1 victory over Augsburg in the German Bundesliga.

The 26-year-old was introduced in the 37th minute after his teammate Pavel Kaderabek sustained an injury.

Within just a minute of his introduction, Hoffenheim canceled their one-goal deficit. Then In the 44th minute, Akpoguma assisted Ihlas Bebou’s second to ensure that Die Kraichgauer finished the first half with a one-goal lead

He then put up a solid second-half performance with three clearances and won four of six duels. Another goal from David Raum in stoppage time ensured that Hoffenheim ran out 3-1 winners.

Elsewhere, Super Eagles target Michael Olise continued with his brilliant form, scoring one and assisting another to help Crystal Palace come back from one goal down to beat Millwall 2-1 in the FA Cup.

The 20-year-old was outstanding in the Eagles’ 3-2 loss to West Ham when he came off the bench to score a spectacular free-kick, and he proved his quality once more. Olise is eligible to represent Nigeria, England, and France.

Also, in the FA Cup, Ademola Lookman shone like a million stars in the absence of Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy.

The former Everton man assisted a goal in each half to help Leicester City thrash Emmanuel Dennis’ Watford 4-1.

Goals from Youri Tielemans, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, and Marc Albrighton were enough to see the foxes through. Dennis was rested for the match.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a writer with many years of experience covering sports events in Nigeria and abroad. He is fueled by his love for the job, and is dedicated to delivering captivating stories.

View Comments

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

“We had a deal” – Trabzonspor President reveals Southampton’s shadiness over Onuachu’s transfer

Trabzonspor President, Ertugrul Dogan, has revealed Southampton prevented Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, from moving… Read More

9 minutes ago

Southampton boss lauds Super Eagles goalscoring duo after Ipswich victory

Southampton's head coach, Ivan Juric, praised Nigerian duo, Joe Ayodele-Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their… Read More

48 minutes ago

Southampton’s Aribo ready to fight for top-flight status following goal against Ipswich Town

Super Eagles and Southampton midfielder, Joe Ayodele-Aribo has revealed his side plan to give everything… Read More

1 hour ago

Report: Carrick’s Middlesbrough nears signing of Super Eagles star

EFL Championship side Middlesbrough are reportedly closing in on the signature of Super Eagles attacker… Read More

9 hours ago

John Terry vs Roberto Carlos: What ex-Chelsea captain said to Mikel Obi after star-studded performance

Former Chelsea captain John Terry has hailed John Mikel Obi’s performance after their star-studded charity… Read More

12 hours ago

Kazeem Olaigbe: Rennes close to signing ex-Southampton lad caught between Nigeria & Belgium

French club Rennes are closing in on the signing of Cercle Brugge winger Kazeem Olaigbe,… Read More

17 hours ago