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Champions League: Onyedika stars for Midtjylland, Adetunji’s Shkupi shock Dinamo Zagreb

The biggest European competitions are yet to resume fully, but some Nigerian players are battling for a place in the group stage of the World’s biggest club competition

Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika played all 90 minutes in Midtjylland’s disappointing 1-1 draw at home.

Midtjylland began their journey to the group stage of next season’s UEFA Champions League with a fixture against Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.

The game lacked chances, as the first half recorded just one shot on target. The second half looked like it would end in the same manner as the first.

Midtjylland dominated the game, but they were thrown off balance in the 85th minute.

Larnaca forward Adam Gyurso scored to give the away side the lead. Nonetheless, Midtjylland replied with a goal from Erik Sviatchenko.

Onyedika had a decent game with an 84 percent pass accuracy and 58 touches from the middle of the park.

However, Onyedika’s efforts fell short, and Midtjylland had to make do with a 1-1 draw at home. They travel to Larnaca for the second leg of the tie next week.

Meanwhile, at Windsor Park, Victor Boniface and his Bodø Glimt side lost to Linfield.

The Norwegians looked like the better side, but they failed to convert their chances.

The home side took advantage of Bodø Glimt’s profligacy, as Kirk Millar scored to give the Northern Irish giants the victory.

Boniface saw 2 minutes of action but he failed to register an impact.

Elsewhere in Croatia, Sunday Adetunji and his Shkupi side caused a big upset. They traveled to Croatia to claim a brilliant 2-2 draw against Dinamo Zagreb.

The Croatian giants were close to nicking the win after goals from Arijan Ademi and Bruno Petkovic canceled Queven’s early strike for Shkupi.

However, Renaldo Cephas scored in the 89th minute to ensure Shkupi did not leave Croatia empty-handed.

Shkupi left Zagreb with a 2-2 result. This ensures that they have an advantage going into the second leg in North Macedonia.

The last time Shkupi played at home, Adetunji scored. The Nigerian striker would look to replicate that feat at the National Arena Toshe Proeski.

The second legs will be played next Wednesday.

This post was last modified on July 20, 2022 9:11 am

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.

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