Nigerians abroad: Aribo nets first goal of 2024, Ajayi tops with West Brom; Onyeka misses Man City chance

Soccernet.ng monitored dozens of matches that could potentially involve Nigerian players on Tuesday, February 20th.

Here are the most eye-catching highlights:

England

In the Championship, Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo scored his first goal of the year as Southampton fell to a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Hull City.

The visitors were already two goals ahead thanks to goals from Morocco’s Anass Zaroury and Portugal’s Fábio Carvalho when Aribo got onto the pitch at halftime.

Aribo reduced the deficit for the Saints with a fierce drive from just inside the area in the 88th minute.

However, it was too little too late for Southampton to get at least a point from the encounter.

Semi Ajayi made his first appearance for West Bromwich Albion after returning from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The silver medal-winning defender replaced Darnell Anthony Furlong in the 82nd minute as West Brom sealed a 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at the Home Park.

Jamilu Collins and Cardiff City halted a poor run of three straight defeats with a goalless draw with Blackburn Rovers at the Cardiff City Stadium.

In the Premier League, Frank Onyeka made the starting lineup for Brentford as they trade tackles with champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Onyeka impressed in the middle of the park and even had a couple of efforts – including a one-on-one with the goalie – saved by goalkeeper Elderson.

However, the Bees left Manchester with an empty purse as Erling Haaland’s 71st-minute strike gave Pep Guardiola and his men a crucial 1-0 win.

Italy

Nigeria’s four representatives at the Viarregio Tournament are through to the quarterfinals of the foremost youth competition.

Hafiz Ibrahim was the hero for Ojodu United as he netted a hat-trick to power his side to a 5-0 win over the United States’ Westchester United. 

Mavlon saw off the challenge of Fiorentina with a 3-2 victory powered by another hat-trick from former Golden Eaglets striker, Charles Agada.

Beyond Limits defeated Avellino 3-1, while Alex Transformation made light work of Ukrainian side Rukh following a 2-0 triumph.

South Africa

Etiosa Ighodaro and Super Sports United are through to the next round of the FA Cup after beating Cape Town City on penalties.

Full-time scores stood at 1-1 after Mayo cancelled out Campbell’s early strike, and nothing could separate the two teams after extra time in the Round of 32 clash.

Cape Town were, however, wasteful with their spot kicks, missing three of four as Super Sports soared to a 3-1 win at the Lucas Masterpieces Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.

N.B: Who was your most outstanding performer? Leave your answer in the comment section below.