Nigerian players were in action for their clubs, and while some recorded wins, others suffered losses
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi returned to action after a seven-week injury layoff to spur Porto to a 2-0 victory over Alhassan Yusuf and Chidera Ejuke's Antwerp, Soccernet reports.
Sanusi had been out of action since September 19, when he sustained an injury in Porto's Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Nonetheless, upon his recovery, he was thrown straight into the thick of things when Porto welcomed Antwerp to the Estadio Dragao. Meanwhile, the Belgian side had Alhassan Yusuf, while Ejuke started from the bench.
Sanusi was on the offensive, bumping forward for most of the game, and he had an opportunity in the box early in the game, but he failed to convert.
Nonetheless, the former Portuguese champions were too good in the first half, and they got the lead through Evanilson from the spot in the 32nd minute.
Alhassan also had an active day in midfield. He had a lot of defensive work to do, but he also offered some energy to the attack.
Antwerp were on the back foot for most of the game, and their woes got compounded in the 50th minute after Jurgen Ekkelenkamp got red-carded for a poor foul.
Sanusi had another chance to score in the 67th minute, as he jumped highest to meet a cross. But his header was saved by the goalkeeper. The Super Eagles star had a very good game for Porto, registering 75 touches and two clearances. He also won 8 of his 11 duels.
Meanwhile, Yusuf had an average day in the office with 50 touches. But he was unable to deal with the attacking threats that Porto presented.
Ejuke got 15 minutes of action, but he failed to produce any real piece of brilliance for Antwerp. Eventually, it ended 2-0 for Porto at the Estadio Dragao.
Meanwhile, at the Stadion Rajko Mitic, Peter Olayinka could not help Red Star Belgrade avoid a 2-1 defeat against RB Leipzig.
The Super Eagles striker started from the bench for his Serbian side, but he was introduced into the game while the German side were leading 1-0, courtesy of a goal from Xavi Simons.
However, eight minutes after Olayinka's introduction, Leipzig doubled their lead through Lois Openda.
Red Star Belgrade pulled one back via an own goal from Benjamin Henrichs in the 81st minute. Olayinka had a great chance to score in stoppage time, but he failed to convert the chance. Eventually, it ended 2-1 in Serbia.
In Italy, Samuel Chukwueze returned to the bench for AC Milan in their 2-1 win over PSG. Chukwueze returned from the international break with an injury, but he resumed training last week.
The former Villarreal man watched the entire game from the bench as his side claimed the 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao.
