While some Super Eagles stars endured a disappointing afternoon, it was a good day at the office for a few Nigerian players who found the range for their clubs in Europe on Sunday
Iyayi Atiemwen was the hero for Dinamo Zagreb as his 36th-minute strike was all the Citizens needed to claim maximum points at league basement club Istra 1961.
It was Atiemwen’s third goal in as many matches, having found the back of the net in recent wins over Sibenik and Lokomotiv Zagreb.
The latest victory sees the defending champions return to the summit of the Croatian top-flight levelled on points with second-place Osijek.
In the Czech Republic, Peter Olayinka scored his sixth goal of the league campaign, but it was not enough as Slavia Prague were held to a 3-3 draw at Pribram.
The champions would have only themselves to blame for letting all three points slip through their fingers, conceding two own goals and a late winner at the home of an opponent drowning in relegation waters.
Still, Slavia remain on course to retain their league title, having established a 13-point lead over second-place Jablonec.
Super Eagles winger Olayinka managed just four league goals last term as Slavia romped to their sixth championship crown.
In Spain, Nigerian midfielder James Igbekeme was among the goalscorers as Real Zaragoza secured a brilliant 2-1 away win at Mallorca in a Segunda Division game week 24 clash.
Igbekeme opened the scoring in the 11th minute, his second league goal of the season, before Spanish fullback Carlos Vigaray made it two-nil on the stroke of halftime.
Luis Munoz reduced the home side’s deficit late in the second period, but Zaragoza held on for the win that lifts them out of the relegation zone.
In Germany, Nigerian forward Dickson Abiama helped Greuther Furth continued their push towards Bundesliga promotion with a 4-1 humbling of Wurzburgers Kickers.
Ridge Munsy drew first blood for the visitors a quarter of an hour into the Bundesliga II encounter, but 22-year-old Abiama equalised for the hosts just before the half-hour mark.
A Branimir Hrogta brace after the interval and a late Robin Kehr effort then sealed the win that lifts coach Stephan Leitl’s men to third on the league table.
