Super Eagles players returned to their respective clubs after an eventful international break.We roundup their performances, with the injury prone Joel Obi of Torino the star man.
England
Alex Iwobi, Arsenal
Alex Iwobi was a second half substitute as Arsenal defeated city rivals Tottenham in an exciting North London derby. However, coming on for Mesut Ozil with seven minutes left to play, the 21-year-old showed some of the brilliance that saw him score two goals against Argentina.
Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and Ahmed Musa, Leicester City
The duo of Ndidi and Iheanacho were on parade as 2016 champions, Leicester fell 2-0 at home to Manchester City, who are the league leaders.
Ndidi lasted the duration of the game. Iheanacho started on the bench, coming on for Marc Albrighton in the second half. Ahmed Musa was considered not good enough for the match day squad.
Ola Aina, Hull City
Versatile defender, Aina, was on from start to finish as Hull City were held at home by Ipswich Town. It wasn’t the best of outings by the 19-year-old Nigeria international, who struggled all through with his passes, completing just 58% of them.
France
Chidozie Awaziem, Nantes. It was a weekend to forget for Chidozie Awaziem and Nantes, who were put to the sword by giants, Paris Saint-Germain in the capital, Paris. Awaziem, who was not listed for Nantes in their last league game, was handed a start in an unfamiliar right-back position against PSG by Claudio Ranieri. The Parisiens won 4-1
Germany
Leon Balogun, Mainz 05. It was another frustrating weekend for Leon Balogun, who missed yet another game for his club, Mainz. Mainz welcomed struggling side, FC Koln, but Balogun missed out completely due to fractured hand sustained on the eve of the match.
Spain
The duo of Deportivo la Coruna’s youngster, Francis Odinaka Uzoho and Olaweranju Kayode of Girona, were conspicuously missing for their respective club sides at the weekend. While Kayode was an unused substitute in Girona’s draw with Real Sociedad, Uzoho was not listed at all for the trip and loss to Malaga.
Italy
Joel Obi, Torino. He may have lasted just over a hour, but Joel Obi’s impressive performance for Torino since his return from injury has continued as his knock on the Super Eagles door gets even louder
Obi put up a man of the match performance as Torino were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Chievo, with Andrea Belotti missing a penalty for the home side.
Headed goal via a cross shot by @joelobi20 pulls @TorinoFC_1906 level 1-1 with @ACChievoVerona. Been following him this season. He might gatecrash @NGSuperEagles #Russia2018 party.
— Kelechi Bernard (@woramangra) November 19, 2017
However, his most important contribution was to assist Danielle Baselli’s 33rd minute equaliser for the host, before he was replaced by Mbaye Niang in the 65th minute.
Austria
Alhassan Ibrahim, Austria Wien
Ibrahim played for only 18 minutes, coming on in the second half for Raphael Holzhauser in Austria Wien’s 2-3 defeat by Admira Moedling at home.
Belgium
Henry Onyekuru, Anderlecht. It was a good weekend for Henry Onyekuru and Anderlecht, as they returned to winning ways in Belgium. Onyekuru lasted 87minutes, but not before returning amongst the goals, scoring the winner seven minutes before he was replaced by Dennis Appiah.
Uche Agbo, Standard Liege
Uche Agbo played 78minutes in Standard Liege’s goalless affair with Oostende, who had another Nigerian, former Nigeria international, Joseph Akpala, on show.
Simon Moses, Gent.
Talented winger, Simon, returned from injury for Gent, who defeated Lokeren 3-0 on the road.
Simon lasted the 90, but was overshadowed by his younger unknown compatriot at the club, Simon Kalu, who scored Gent’s second goal.
Another Nigerian, Anderson Esiti, also featured from start for Gent, but picked up a yellow card.
Cyprus
Shehu Abdullahi, Anorthosis
Shehu’s Anorthosis continued their battle with AEK Larnaca with a 2-1 win at Ermis, with Shehu Abdullahi on from start to finish.
It was the 10th game for the table toppers for the reliable Shehu, as Anorthosis retained their position at the top on goal difference.
Israel
John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme, Hapoel Beer Sheva
It was a winning return for John Ogu to Be’er Sheva’s lineup, after missing his side’s last two games due to injury. Alongside his compatriot at the club, Nwakaeme, they helped Hapoel to a 3-1 win over Hapoel Ironi Akko. Neither was amongst the goals this time, as Ben Sahar’s brace inspired them to a fourth successive win in the league.
Holland
Tyronne Ebuehi, ADO Den Haag. Ebuehi followed up his assured performance in Russia against Argentina with another good showing as ADO Den Haag saw off Heracles 4-1, with the 21-year-old starring from start to finish.
Norway
Chidiebere Nwakali, Sogndal
Chidiebere’s Sogndal didn’t do their chances of surviving the drop any favours as they drew 1-1 with Stabaek, with the Nigerian missing the game as he was not even listed by manager, Eirik Bakke.
Portugal
Oghenekaro Etebo, CD Feirense. Etebo’s Feirense can’t seem to catch a break, as they suffered yet another loss, but this time in the Portuguese cup. Feirense lost for the fourth successive game in all competitions, as Vitoria Guimaraes defeated them 2-1 in the Taca de Portugal with Etebo on for the 90.
Russia
Bryan Idowu, Amkar Perm. Bryan Idowu was on from start to finish in Amkar’s goalless draw with FC Rostov.
A lot was said about Idowu’s position at Amkar ahead of this game after he made his international debut for Nigeria. But the 25-year-old retained his place in Gadzhi Gadzhiev’s side, lasting the entire 90 and picking up a yellow in the 79th minute.
Idowu’s compatriot at the club, defensive midfielder, Fegor Ogude, was also on from start to finish.
Turkey
William Troost-Ekong, Mikel Agu, Bursaspor
It was another good day for Troost-Ekong as he helped his side, Bursaspor to keep a clean sheet. Bursaspor were held to a goalless draw by Goztepe, with Troost-Ekong lasting the 90, while his national team mate, Mikel Agu expectedly missed the game due to an injury.
Ogenyi Onazi, Trabzonspor
Defensive midfielder, Onazi returned from injury to help his side, Trabzonspor to a 4-3 defeat of visitors, Osmanlispor.
Onazi, who missed Nigeria’s games against Algeria and Argentina lasted the entire duration of the game, but failed to add to his one goal scored so far in the seven-goal thriller.
Elsewhere, Elderson Echiejile missed Sivasspor’s 4-1 thrashing by Fenerbahce, as the left back is currently out injured.
