Nigerians abroad: Ejuke, Yusuf, Ilenikhena trouble Barcelona; Ndidi bags assists; Chukwueze scores

Soccernet.ng highlights some eye-catching displays from Nigerian footballers outside the country’s shores on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

League action

In the English Championship, Joe Aribo was in action for Southampton as Samuel Edozie’s equaliser helped the Saints secure a 1-1 draw at Coventry City.

Wilfred Ndidi kept up his brilliant form in his new midfield role, as he assisted Patson Daka’s goal in Leicester City’s 3-2 win over Millwall.

Jamilu Collins did his bit well, but it was not enough to help Cardiff City avoid a 0-1 home loss to Birmingham City.

In Greece’s Super League 2, Abiola Adedeji wrapped up Ionikos’s 5-1 rout of Egaleo with a second-half penalty.

In the Swiss Super League, Ifeanyi Matthew and Zürich fell to a 2-1 defeat away to Winterthur.

UEFA Champions League

AC Milan secured a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, courtesy of Samuel Chukwueze’s late expert curling shot, his second in the competition. 

Despite the win, Milan failed to advance, with Borussia Dortmund and PSG claiming the Group F knockout spots. Milan will now shift their focus to the Europa League.

Karim Adeyemi opened the scoring for Dortmund in a 1-1 draw with PSG, ensuring Dortmund topped the group.

Meanwhile, Red Star Belgrade, featuring Peter Olayinka, fell 3-2 to Manchester City, exiting Europe after finishing at the bottom of Group G.

In a historic moment, Royal Antwerp claimed their first-ever UCL win with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Barcelona.

Super Eagles winger, Chidera Ejuke was the match’s magician, as he had the most dribbles of anyone on the pitch. Alhassan Yusuf assisted Antwerp’s second goal, while George Ilenikhena came off the bench to net a late winner against the Spanish champions.

Despite the loss, Barcelona maintained their group leadership.

Zaidu Sanusi played a full match as Porto secured a 5-3 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, advancing to the knockout stage alongside Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Umar Sadiq and Real Sociedad secured their spot in the Round of 16 as Group D leaders following a 0-0 draw with Inter Milan.

Fresh off winning the 2023 Africa Player of the Year award, Victor Osimhen scored his first European goal, guiding Napoli to a 2-0 victory against Sporting Braga.

Napoli claimed the second spot in Group C, behind Real Madrid, who secured a 3-2 triumph at Union Berlin, maintaining a perfect record with six wins in six matches.

Women’s Champions League

After winning the Africa Women Player of the Year award, Asisat Oshoala settled for a role on the bench as Barcelona tore Rosengård to pieces with a smashing 6-0 win.

Super Falcons midfielder Halimot Ayinde was an unused substitute for Rosengård.

SL Benfica moved into second place in Group A behind Barcelona following a hard-fought 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Nigerian international Christy Ucheibe was deployed as a centre-back in the encounter, and she did a decent job of helping Benfica register a crucial clean sheet.