Some of the top leagues in Europe are set to kick off in August, and the clubs have started preparations for the new season
Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze got 45 minutes of action in Villarreal's comprehensive 3-0 victory over Austrian side Altach, Soccernet reports.
Chukwueze scored for Villarreal in their first pre-season game against St. Gallen, which they lost 6-1. The Nigerian forward once again got the nod to start foe the Yellow Submarine when they played Altach in their second pre-season fixture.
Chukwueze looked very lively from the start as Villarreal poured men forward. He could have scored in the 15th minute, but the referee ruled out his goal for offside.
However, that did not stop the former Europa League champions, as Gerard Moreno put them in front in the 21st minute. Goals from Alfonso Pedraza and Ramon Terrats completed the scoring for Villarreal. Chukwueze was taken off at halftime as coach Quique Setien changed his first eleven.
Next up for Villarreal is a game against Hannover on the 22nd of July.
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey featured in Ajax's 3-0 thrashing of Shakhtar Donetsk. The former Rangers man was introduced into the game at halftime when his side was already leading 3-0.
However, he almost cost his team, as he made a wrong pass which was intercepted, leaving a Shakhtar Donetsk player to go one-on-one with his goalkeeper. Fortunately for Bassey, the Ajax goalie stood firm and blocked the shot.
Für den Spieler mit der Nummer 15 soll Ajax angeblich vergangene Woche ein Transfer-Angebot von Brighton Hove & Albion mit einer Ablösesumme in Höhe von 20 Mio. € erhalten und als zu niedrig abgelehnt haben. Meine Damen und Herren, Calvin Bassey… (1/2)pic.twitter.com/S2Q163xay7
— oranjefussball 🇳🇱 (@oranjefussball) July 18, 2023
The game was Ajax's second pre-season game, and Bassey is yet to start. His clanger will also not do him any favour because Steijn is condemned to win this season, and Bassey would need to prove his worth. The Godenzonen face Anderlecht next on the 22nd of July.
Elsewhere, Leon Balogun had a tough return to Rangers as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles defender played the entire second half, and he conceded a goal. Dessers was not included in the matchday squad.
