The Three Nigerian forwards were among the goal scorers as their respective clubs earn impressive wins in Europe and Asia
Super Eagles strikers Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis struck the decisive goals that powered Nottingham Forest to a morale-boosting friendly 2-1 win over Valencia on Friday evening.
Awoniyi grabbed the opening goal of the game after a chaotic collision in the Valencia defence allowed the former Union Berlin man to round the keeper and slot home into an empty net.
Hugo Duro levelled the scores for Valencia in from of their home fans after the break. But Emmanuel Dennis, who replaced Awoniyi, secured the impressive win for Forest with a calm finish fifteen minutes later.
It is a victory the Tricky Trees will hope can help them build the momentum needed ahead of the return of Premier League football.
Before the World Cup break, Nottingham Forest were stuck in the deep waters of relegation after managing only three wins from 15 matches.
Champions Al Hilal moved to within two points of leaders Al Nassr after claiming a 3-1 home win over Al-Batin in the Saudi Arabia Professional League.
Ighalo scored one of Al Hilal’s goals and missed a penalty as the Asian Galácticos sealed their sixth win in nine league games.
Former Watford ace Ighalo had the chance to put the hosts in front in the closing stages of the first half but missed the opportunity as both sides headed into the break levelled.
After the break, however, Hyun-Soo Jang opened the scoring for Al Hilal but Yousef Fawaz struck the equaliser just past the hour-mark.
Nigerian striker Ighalo then atone for his early miss by netting the home side’s second before Andre Carrillo made the points safe with a stoppage-time penalty.
