Nigerians abroad: Ighalo inspires Al Hilal to Kings Cup SF; Eletu, Zeroli power AC Milan to UEFA Youth League SF

Nigerian players were in action in various competitions across Europe and Saudi Arabia, with contrasting fortunes.

In the King’s Cup quarterfinals in Riyadh, Odion Ighalo continued his fine form in front of goal as he inspired reigning Saudi league champions Al Hilal to a 3-1 victory over Al Fateh.

The former Manchester United striker scored the third goal of the encounter, taking his tally to an impressive nine goals in his last six games, including a memorable four-goal haul against Al Duhail last month.

With the win, Al Hilal booked their place in the semifinals of the competition, where they will face Al Ittihad next month.

Meanwhile, in the UEFA Champions League round of 16, Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi was part of the Porto team that crashed out of the competition after a goalless draw with Inter Milan.

After losing the first leg 1-0 at the San Siro, Porto needed to score at least once on home soil to have any chance of progressing, but they failed to break down Inter’s defence despite edging the ball possession and managing five shots on target.

With the elimination, Porto’s attention will now turn to the domestic league, where they are playing catchup with rivals Benfica.

In the UEFA Youth League quarterfinals, two talented Nigerian youngsters, Victor Ehuwa Eletu and Kevin Zeroli played crucial roles as AC Milan U19 side defeated Atletico Madrid 2-0 to advance to the semifinals.

Eletu, 17, featured at defensive midfield, while Zeroli, 18, starred as a central midfielder.

The pair delivered solid performances as Milan secured a deserved victory thanks to a goal from Dariusz Piotr Stalmach and an own goal by Atletico goalkeeper Alejandro Iturbe.

In the semifinals, Milan will face the winner of the clash between Croatia’s Hajduk Split and Borussia Dortmund.