Nigerians abroad: Boniface, Ilenikhena, Sor, Payne, Olatunji shine bright; Nnadozie, Simon, Innocent suffer defeats

Soccernet.ng highlights some eye-catching displays from Nigerian footballers outside the country’s shores on Sunday, December 17, 2023.

ENGLAND

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi did not make it off the substitute bench as West Brom were held to a one-all draw by Stoke City at the Hawthorns in their Championship match day 22 meeting.

In the Premier League, Frank Onyeka was a second-half substitute for Brentford, but his appearance did not stop Aston Villa from netting a late winner to clinch a 2-1 away win.

SPAIN

In the Primera Division Femenina, Asisat Oshoala, and Gift Monday made second-half appearances for their respective sides as UD Tenerife did well to only lose 0-2 at home to champions Barcelona.

Antionette Oyedupe Payne scored her third league goal of the season for Sevilla, but it was only good enough to earn a 1-1 draw with Athletic Club.

In La Liga, Umar Sadiq did his bit but could not find his way to goal as Real Betis forced Real Sociedad to a goalless draw at the Reale Arena in Donostia-San Sebastián.

ITALY

In Serie A, Samuel Chukwueze featured for the last ten minutes as AC Milan took the lights out of Monza with a 3-0 win at San Siro.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye kept watch on the bench, while Isaac Success was a substitute during Udinese’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Sassuolo.

GERMANY

Victor Boniface was the brightest star of the night as Bayer Leverkusen humbled Eintracht Frankfurt, who defeated Bayern Munich last week, with a 3-0 win in the Bundesliga.

The Nigeria international scored a sensational opening goal, had a big hand in the second, and added a fine assist for Leverkusen’s third to cap a brilliant individual display.

Nathan Tella was a second-half sub for Xabi Alonso’s men.

FRANCE

It was not a great weekend for several Nigerian stars in France.

Chiamaka Nnadozie and Paris FC fell to a narrow 2-1 home defeat against city rivals PSG in the French Feminine Division 1.

In Ligue 1, Brest proved to be ruthless guests as they condemned Moses Simon and Nantes to a disappointing 2-0 loss.

Bonke Innocent and Lorient did not escape the downfall, as they suffered a 1-2 defeat to Strasbourg.

However, it got better for Akor Adams and Montpellier as they ended their poor run of form with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Metz.

BELGIUM

In the First Division A, Raphael Onyedika helped Club Brugge to an important 2-0 win over KAA Gent, who had Gift Orban introduced after the break.

Chidera Ejuke kept up his excellent form as he completed five dribbles and created five chances, one of which led to George Ilenikhena netting a late equaliser for Antwerp in their 1-1 draw with Anderlecht.

 

George Ilenikhena

Yira Sor made it four goals in his last three league games as Genk soared to an impressive 4-0 triumph over Kortrijk.

In the First Amateur Division, teen wonder Victor Udoh scored twice to lift Royal Antwerp II to an entertaining 3-3 draw with Oud-Heverlee Leuven II. It is now ten goals in 17 games for the exciting 19-year-old attacker.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Victor Olatunji netted a 90th-minute winner for Slavia Prague as they came from a goal deficit to claim a slim 2-1 win over Teplice.

MALTA

Anthony Obonogwo scored one of Marsaxlokk’s two consolation goals in their 3-2 loss at Floriana in their Maltese Premier League clash.

PORTUGAL

Kelechi Nwakali continued to push for a spot in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as he assisted Chaves’ consolation goal in their 1-3 defeat to Casa Pia in the Primeira Liga.

SCOTLAND

Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers played their part well as they helped Glasgow Rangers beat Aberdeen 1-0 in the final to lift the League Cup, their first honour of the season.

SOUTH AFRICA

In the PSL, Olisa Ndah was a crucial piece in defence for the Orlando Pirates as they carved out an excellent 2-1 away victory against the Golden Arrows.