Nigerians abroad: Iwuala magical; Uzodimma sensational; Eze, Olawoyin impressive

While a few Nigerian stars, including Kelechi Iheanacho, Kevin Akpoguma, and Olanrewaju Kayode, were enduring mixed fortunes in some of the world’s most prestigious leagues, a few others were lighting up the lesser know championships and competitions.

Super Eagles winger Anayo Iwuala was the difference-maker for Esperance Sportive de Tunis as the Tunisian giants came from a goal down to hack down visiting Belouizdad 2-1 in the final group match of the CAF Champions League on Saturday.

Anayo assisted Ben Hmida to net a 13th-minute equaliser for the home side after Belouizdad had seized the initiative through Mrezigue in the second minute of play.

The exciting Nigerian winger then stroked home what proved the winner four minutes later, guaranteeing ES Tunis Group C’s top spot and a place in the quarterfinals of Africa’s biggest club competition.

In the Turkish 1 Lig, three of Ankara Keçiörengücü’s four Nigerian imports were the key to the Ankara-based team’s 2-1 win over Bursaspor in their game week 30 clash at the Aktepe Stadı.

Anthony Uzodimma was the star of the show, netting the brace that helped the Taner Taşkın-tutored side claim their tenth win of the campaign.

Both goals were made in Nigeria, though. Excellent ten-goal king Emeka Eze supplied the assist for the opening goal in the 34th minute. At the same time, compatriot and former Enugu Rangers man Ibrahim Olawoyin gave the final pass that led to Uzodimma’s in the 71st minute.

The fourth Nigerian at the club, 21-year-old Adamu Ibrahim Alhassan featured for the first 79 minutes of the encounter.

In the Greek Super League 1, veteran Nigerian forward Abiola Adedeji Dauda handed Apollon Smirnis all three points with the winner in their 1-0 triumph over Panaitolikos.

The 34-year-old’s 34th-minute goal was his second in 19 appearances this campaign, his 14th in the European football circuit.

In Norway, Nigerian youngster Akor Jerome Adams began life at Lillestrom positively as he came from the bench to net his first goal in his side’s 2-2 draw at Hamkam on matchday one of the 2022 Eliteserien season.

The 22-year-old forward, who only made the switch from Sogndal in January, entered the fray at the hour mark with Lillestrom trailing by two goals before his presence fueled the visitors’ comeback.

Adams will hope to recreate his brilliant form for Sogndal last year when he hit a career-high ten goals.