Europa Conference League: Usor and Chukwueze strike, Olayinka shines

The Super Eagles stars were brilliant for their teams to help them seal a spot in the second edition of Europe’s third-tier competition 

Nigerian forward Moses Usor scored first, while compatriot Peter Olayinka assisted Ivan Schranz for Slavia Prague’s second in their 2-0 victory against Polish side Rakow.

Slavia Prague entertained Polish side Rakow in the return leg of their Europa Conference League qualification. The first leg ended 2-1 in favor of Rakow, and Slavia Prague needed to win to get a spot in Europe.

As expected, the Czech giants controlled the game, for most parts of the game. But they had to wait till the 62nd minute for a goal.

Super Eagles hopeful Usor received a defense-splitting pass from Ivan Schranz, and the 20-year-old forward struck the ball with venom, beating the Rakow goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic.

The game progressed till extra time, as both teams were inseparable with a 2-2 aggregate scoreline at full time.

Just when it looked like the game would go on to penalties, Olayinka stepped in, assisting Schranz to make it 2-1 in the final minute of extra time.

 

In Croatia, it was a brilliant outing for Samuel Chukwueze and his Villarreal side against Hajduk Split. The yellow submarine had the advantage, going into the game after a 4-2 win in Spain last week.

Despite their advantage, Villarreal put up a brilliant performance again, and they were rewarded with a goal from Alfonso Pedraza in the 36th minute.

The former Europa League champions got their second goal of the game through Chukwueze. The Nigerian forward weaved past opposition players and struck a curler into the net to double Villarreal’s lead.

The game ended 6-2 on aggregate, and it ensured that Villarreal have a spot in the group stage of this season’s Europa Conference League.