Another week, another ‘Oyibo Wall’ member sees red, this time, the oldest of the two, who plays in Germany. Here is more on that and how other Super Eagles players fared last weekend.
This week’s review starts from Germany, where Leon Balogun turned the villain after he was sent off as Mainz 05 held Hamburger to a goalless draw.
German-born defender can’t be happy with this seeing that he had just got back into the team playing in the last 3 games.
Belgium
Simon Moses, Anderson Esiti, Gent
There was some good news in Belgium, where the duo of Simon and Anderson returned to Gent’s match day squad, following weeks of injuries.
However, their return failed to inspire their modest side, who lost 3-2 to Oostende, with Simon playing for 20 minutes as a second half substitute, while Esiti watched from the bench.
Standard Liege
Uche Agbo
Agbo was on parade as Liege defeated Mechelen 3-2, with the versatile player on from start to finish, picking up a yellow for his troubles.
France
Chidozie Awaziem, Nantes
Awaziem’s move to Nantes on loan from Portuguese giants, FC Porto, has been a massive success, and against Marseille on Sunday, the youngster evidenced as much.
Handed a role at an unfamiliar left back position, Awaziem looked a natural, as he showed his versatility, ending the game as his side’s best player.
The 21-year-old expertly marshalled Marseille’s talented star, Florian Thauvin, who found the defender a difficult customer all day.
Despite his impressive display, Awaziem was powerless as Thauvin ruined an almost flawless performance when he rescued a point for the home side at the dead.
While not a dent on his performance on the day, Awaziem ended the game having won an impressive nine duels, which included five tackles, and three interceptions.
Netherlands
Tyronne Ebuehi, ADO Den Haag
While Awaziem was doing his best in the Ligue 1, another of our young defender, Ebuehi and his side failed to build on a similar solid performance the last time against Ajax Amsterdam.
Tyronne’s ADO Den Haag was a rock against the former European Champions last weekend, but they were unable to repeat their defensive performance this time, falling 2-1 at Sparta Rotterdam, despite taking the lead.
As usual, Ebuehi last the duration of the game.
Russia
Ahmed Musa, CSKA Moscow
Yes, Musa is back playing the game he loves, after some horrid time in the English Premier League with Leicester City.
Musa returned ‘home’ to CSKA on loan, from Leicester, and played for 90minutes before he was substituted in their 1-0 win over Ural on Saturday.
It was his third game for the Russian side, but first in the league.
Brown Idowu, Amkar
Idowu was a second half substitute in Amkar‘s goalless draw at Zenit st. Petersburg.
His compatriot at the club, Fegor Ogude played his eighth league game of the season for Amkar, also as a substitute.
Spain
Brown Ideye, Malaga
For the first time since he moved to the club on loan, after a series of uninspiring displays, Ideye was dropped to the bench by his club side, Malaga.
He came on as a second half substitute but was unable to help his side salvage anything from the game as they lost 2-0 at Leganes.
Turkey
Kenneth Omeruo, Kasimpasa
Omeruo’s Kasimpasa were held to a 1-1 draw at home, with the 2013 AFCON winner on from start to finish.
He’s been an ever presence for his Turkish side, but was couldn’t stop them from conceding as the spoils were shared, while also picking up a booking in the game.
England
Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester City
The duo of Ndidi and Iheanacho had Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez to thank, as it was he who rescued a point for Leicesteragainst Bournemouth.
Ndidi, who has been termed an ‘important’ player by his manager, Claude Puel, was undoubtedly one of the stars for his team, but his side was in danger of losing all three points after Joshua King’s first half penalty put the Cherries ahead.
However, Mahrez’s sublime added time free kick rescued a point for the Foxes, with Ndidi’s national team mate at the club, Iheanacho on for 30minutes.
Victor Moses, Chelsea
A day to forget for Moses and his Chelsea side, as Manchester City used them to break all sorts of records in the PL.
Moses played from start to finish, as the champions put up a disappointingly flat performance in their 1-0 loss against City at the Etihad.
Moses had the Blues’ best chance of the game, but his effort summed up exactly how woeful Antonio Conte’s side were on the day.
Alex Iwobi, Arsenal
Iwobi is another Nigeria international whose side are in need of prayers.
For the fourth consecutive time, the Gunners were on the losing side, this time they were put to the sword by promoted outfit, Brighton and Hove Albion.
Iwobi started the game, playing for 74 minutes in a listless and lifeless 2-1 loss, before he was replaced by Danny Welbeck.
