Nigerian players abroad: Okoye begins Watford stint on wrong foot, Nwankwo’s wonder-goal gifts Mjallby victory

The top five European leagues are set to return in August, but some of the lower leagues are in full swing

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye experienced his first piece of action for Watford in their 3-1 loss to Cambridge United. 

The Super Eagles shot-stopper signed for the Hornets last winter, but he remained at Sparta Rotterdam till the end of the season.

Okoye joined up with Watford for preseason ahead of their return to the English Championship.

However, Okoye’s first game for his Watford did not end on a good note, as he conceded three goals against League one side Cambridge United. Harvey Knibbs put the Amber Army ahead in the first half before Joe Ironside added with a brace in the second period.

James Morris’ 68th-minute finish for Watford turned out to be a consolation for the Hornets.

Elsewhere, Silas Nwankwo was performing wonders for Mjallby in Sweden. The 18-year-old’s first-half strike was enough to grant his side an unprecedented win against Swedish giants AIK.

The youngster showed great strength and awareness going on a blazing run. Nwankwo beat AIK defenders who were in their sixes and sevens and poked the ball into the net just before the break.

Mjallby held on in the second half to seal a remarkable win away at the Friends Arena.

The strike was Nwankwo’s third in nine games in the Swedish Allsvenskan.