Nigerian players in Europe: Osimhen comes up clutch for Napoli; Success impresses for Udinese

Some of the big European leagues resumed action on Tuesday, and some Nigerian stars were on parade for their sides.

Most of them recorded good results, while others would have to wait till the weekend to redeem themselves.

Soccernet updates you on some of these stars and their performances.

 

In Italy, it was a good one for Nigerian players on parade. Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen caused the penalty for Napoli’s first goal in their 2-0 win over Empoli.

The Partenopeans were given a tough fight by Empoli, but after a goalless first half, Spalletti’s lads turned up the heat.

Osimhen won a foul in the box. However, he refused to take the spot kick and opted to hand it to Hirving Lozano. The Mexican star made no mistake, sending the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 1-0  after the 69th minute.

Piotr Zielinski then sealed the Partenopeans’ win with a beautiful strike in the 88th minute. It ended 2-0 for Napoli at the Stadio Diego Maradona.

 

Meanwhile, at the Stadio Alberto Picco, Isaac Success supplied the assist for Udinese’s equalizer in their 1-1 draw against Spezia.

Udinese started the game on fire and could have gone ahead through a goal from Success. However, his 20th-minute strike was ruled out because of an offside.

Spezia then took the initiative, scoring in the 33rd minute to put themselves in the driver’s seat.

Udinese did not have to wait long to get the equalizer, and Success was the orchestrator. The Super Eagles forward sent a beautiful pass to Sandi Lovric, who was unmarked in the box. The Slovenian took no prisoners, striking a well-placed shot past Zoet in the Spezia goal.

Asides from his assist, Success had 46 touches, a 69 percent pass accuracy, and won three fouls.

 

Finally, in the English Championship, William Troost-Ekong was the captain when Watford secured a 2-0 victory over Reading.

Troost-Ekong has been brilliant for Watford this season, and he continued with that form when they welcomed Reading.

The Super Eagles defender recorded three clearances, 56 touches, and 87 percent pass accuracy.

Goals from Joao Pedro ensured that the Hornets ran out with a 2-0 win against Reading. Watford now sit fifth in the Championship, six points behind leaders Burnley.