Nigerian forward Anthony Nwakaeme returned from a two-week injury layoff to guide Trabzonspor to a thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Rizespor at the Medical Park Stadium on Friday.
The 32-year-old had suffered a groin strain in the first half of Trabzonspor’s 3-1 triumph over rivals Fenerbahce on October 17 and was only fit enough to start from the bench against Rizespor.
But with the game locked at 1-1 after both sides had exchanged a pair of first-half penalties, Nwakaeme came on for Özdemir at the start of the second period and netted the game’s decider in the 73rd minute.
It was the ex-Nigerian international’s fifth goal in nine league matches, and it earned the Black Seas Storms a win that takes them seven points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig.
In Germany, Kevin Akpoguma was on parade as Hoffenheim returned to the top half of the Bundesliga table with a 2-0 victory over ten-man Hertha Berlin.
Croatian forward Kramaric and German attacker Rudy had sent the home side on their way to a third victory in five matches before Boyata was sent off for the visitors in the second half.
It was Akpoguma’s eighth league appearance with the 26-year-old Super Eagles defender picking up his first yellow card of the season in the 66th minute.
In the Spanish Segunda Division, Nigerian hotshot Umar Sadiq could not add to his seven league goals, but Almeria still managed to carve out a 1-0 win over Leganes at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos.
2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner Kenneth Omeruo did not make the matchday squad for the visitors, but they still put up a spirited fight against the league leaders.
Francisco Portillo’s 30th-minute effort, though, proved enough to give Almeria all three points and hand them a four-point cushion over second-placed Eibar, who have played a game less.
