The UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League quarterfinal second legs delivered drama across Europe on Thursday night – but it proved a bitter evening for several Nigerian footballers, Soccernet.ng reports.
At the San Mamés, Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers started for Rangers but were unable to help the Scottish side avoid elimination from the Europa League.
Rangers fell 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao, who progress 2-0 on aggregate following a goalless draw in Glasgow last week.
Oihan Sancet opened the scoring from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after John Souttar drew a foul in the box.
Nico Williams then sealed the win in the 80th minute, heading home Oscar de Marcos’ cross.
Both Balogun and Dessers received yellow cards in the first half as Rangers’ European hopes came to a disappointing end.
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Over in Rome, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru watched from the bench as Lazio mounted a spirited fightback against Bodo/Glimt.
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Norway, Lazio levelled the tie in regulation time with a dramatic late goal in the 93rd minute to force extra time.
The Italians edged ahead 3-2 on aggregate before Bodo/Glimt responded to draw level again. The Norwegian side ultimately triumphed 3-2 on penalties, thanks to two crucial saves by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.
In the Europa Conference League, Tosin Adarabioyo featured at centre-back for Chelsea, who fell 2-1 at home to Legia Warszawa.
Goals from Steve Kapuadi and Tomas Pekhart overturned Marc Cucurella’s first-half strike.
However, Chelsea’s 3-0 win in the first leg in Warsaw ensured they progressed with a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.
Adarabioyo, who remains on the radar of Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, will hope for better defensive cohesion in the semifinals.
Legia fielded 20-year-old midfielder Rotimi Oyedele, a Poland international of Nigerian heritage, who impressed in midfield.
Among those still flying the flag as a Nigerian descent in Europe is Tottenham Hotspur’s Dominic Solanke.
The striker was the hero in Frankfurt, scoring the only goal from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win over Eintracht that secured Spurs’ passage to the Europa League semifinals with a 2-1 aggregate win.
Elsewhere, Michael Folorunsho – now capped by Italy but formerly eligible for Nigeria – played all 90 minutes as Fiorentina edged out Slovenian side Celje. A 2-2 draw in Florence followed a 2-1 away win last week, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Italian club.
And in arguably the most thrilling match of the round, Manchester United outlasted Lyon in a stunning Europa League tie.
Danish-Nigerian full-back Patrick Dorgu was involved as United came from 4-2 down in extra time to win 5-4 on the night – 7-6 on aggregate – after the first leg had ended 2-2 in France.
Overall, while many Nigerian internationals bowed out, a number of players with Nigerian roots remain in contention for European silverware.
