It was a weekend of mixed blessings for Nigerian stars in Europe, highlighted by Barcelona’s Asisat Oshoala, whose goal secured the first silverware of the season for her team in a 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, Kingsley Ehizibue netted a late winner for Udinese in Serie A on Sunday. Here, ANTHONY NLEBEM reviews the performances of Nigerian players across various clubs over the weekend.
In Spain, Asisat Oshoala of Barcelona Femini made her mark by scoring in the Spanish Women’s Super Cup final against Real Sociedad. The match saw Aitana Bonmati open the scoring in the 13th minute and add a second goal shortly after halftime. Oshoala sealed the victory with a powerful strike in the 96th minute, bringing the final score to 3-0. This win at the Estadio Romano in Merida marked Barcelona’s first silverware of the season, following the men’s team’s success in the same competition the previous weekend. Since the Super Cup’s inception in 2020, Barcelona has now claimed three titles, with Atletico Madrid being the only team to defeat them in the semi-finals in 2021.
Samuel Chukwueze also featured for Villarreal, starting in their match against Girona at the Estadio de la Ceramica. Although Chukwueze had a solid performance, he was unable to convert any scoring opportunities and was substituted in the 86th minute. The 23-year-old winger has struggled with his goal-scoring form this season, having made 17 appearances with just one goal to his name. Villarreal’s victory moved them to fifth place in La Liga, accumulating 31 points from 18 matches.
In Italy, Kingsley Ehizibue played a crucial role for Udinese, scoring the late winner in the 88th minute to secure their first league victory in over three months. The right-back played the entire match, demonstrating strong defensive skills that helped maintain a clean sheet, although he received a yellow card in the 32nd minute. His compatriot, Isaac Success, also participated, playing the full 90 minutes but failing to score. Udinese had not won a Serie A match since October 3, 2022.
Victor Osimhen continued his impressive scoring streak for Napoli, netting the second goal in their 2-0 win over Salernitana on Saturday at the Stadio Arechi. This victory solidified Napoli’s position at the top of the Serie A table, extending their lead to 12 points over their closest competitors. Osimhen has been in outstanding form this season, having scored 13 goals in the league, contributing significantly to Napoli’s title aspirations.
In England, Alex Iwobi played the full 90 minutes for Everton, but his efforts were in vain as the team suffered a 2-0 defeat against West Ham. Despite Everton’s struggles, having lost eight of their previous Premier League matches, Iwobi had a commendable performance, hitting the woodwork once and winning five of his seven duels. Unfortunately, the Toffees fell to their fourth consecutive loss.
Kelechi Iheanacho was an unused substitute for Leicester City in their match against Brighton, where a late goal from Evan Ferguson earned Brighton a point after Leicester had taken the lead. Iheanacho has struggled to make an impact this season, recording only one goal and one assist in 14 Premier League appearances. His teammate, Wilfred Ndidi, was not included in the squad for this match.
Carney Chukwuemeka made a brief appearance for Chelsea, coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute. He had the opportunity to be the hero but could not get his shot off in time after being set up by debutant Mudryk. New signing Nonso Madueke did not travel with the squad for the match against Everton.
Taiwo Awoniyi and Emmanuel Dennis were absent from Nottingham Forest’s squad during their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth due to injuries. Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth was also sidelined with a knee injury and did not participate in the match.
In Crystal Palace’s goalless draw against Newcastle, Nigerian players David Ozoh, Eberechi Eze, and Michael Olise were in action. Ozoh made his debut as a late substitute, while Eze showcased his skills but was unable to break through Newcastle’s defense. Eze has had a strong season, with three goals in 20 Premier League appearances. Olise also contributed but could not secure a win for the Eagles, who are still seeking their first victory of 2023.
Joe Aribo was on the bench for Southampton as they continued their poor form, losing at home to Aston Villa. The Saints remain at the bottom of the Premier League table after a narrow defeat, which was briefly interrupted by a drone sighting above the pitch.
In France, Folarin Balogun, on loan from Arsenal, made an impact in his Coupe de France debut, scoring in the 37th minute during Stade de Reims’ 3-0 victory over Les Herbiers. Balogun was substituted in the 66th minute, having successfully converted a penalty kick to help his team advance in the competition.
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