While everyone is still very much disappointed with the way the home based Super Eagles were defeated in Casablanca, Morocco, here is how their counterparts performed over the weekend in their respective clubs in Europe.
I kick this off with a trip to Turkey, where fullback, Shehu Abdullahi started his second consecutive game since his move from Cypriot champions, Anorthosis, to Super Lig side, Bursaspor in January.
It was Abdullahi first game at home for his new club, and he was given the midfield role usually occupied by compatriot, Mikel Agu, who was not listed for the game against giants, Besiktas.
Yesterday was a honor to be able to play my first home game for @BursasporSk . It’s disappointing not to get all 3 points in such a big game but we will continue to fight! The support in the crowd was amazing.
— Shehu Abdullahi (@OfficialShehu) February 3, 2018pic.twitter.com/b68XmAtywE
The 24-year put up a good performance, alongside his other compatriot at the club, William Troost-Ekong, but was yellow carded in a thrilling game that saw Alvaro Negredo’s late goal deny them all three points.
Still in the Lig, Kenneth Omeruo was on from start to finish, helping his side, Kasimpasa, to a clean sheet in their 2-0 win over T.M Akisarspor, while Ogenyi Onazi’s Trabzonspor play later on Monday.
In Holland’s Eredivisie, ADO Den Haag picked up a valuable away point in their 1-1 draw at Heracles, with young full back, Tyronne Ebuehi earning his 20th start and game of the season.
Ebuehi lasted the 90, in an average display for his side, placed 10th on the table.
Meanwhile, in Israel, it was a very bad day at the office for John Ogu, especially and his national team mate, Anthony Nwakaeme, who were both on display but were unable to save Hapeol Beer Sheva from a 1-0 defeat to leaders, Maccabi Tel Aviv.
It was a game that saw both Beer Sheva and Tel Aviv fail to control their players, the home side were reduced to ten men, with Beer Sheva picking up two red cards of their own, with Ogu, one of them, after receiving two yellow cards within half an hour.
Elsewhere, Uche Agbo returned to the starting team at Standard Liege, having missed out the last time.
Uche was on from start to finish as Liege earned a comfortable 3-0 win away at Lokeren.
And still in the Juliper, Moses Simon missed Gent‘s 1-1 draw at Eupen, as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, but none of his fellow Nigerians at the club, Anderson Esiti and Samuel Kalu, were also listed for that game.
Germany
Leon Balogun, Mainz 05
It’s becoming quite worrying for Balogun, as he was not even named in Mainz’s 2-0 home loss to champions, Bayern Munich.
The 28-year-old member of the Oyibo Wall has only started and played seven games for Mainz this season.
France
Chidozie Awaziem, Nantes
A familiar face missing from Nantes’ 3-2 defeat at Caen was Nigeria international, Awaziem, who failed to make the trip to Caen.
It was the second game in a row he has missed, after the 3-0 win at Guingamp.
The young defender, on loan from Portuguese giants, Porto, has played 17 times this season for Claudio Ranieri’s team, starting 12 of those, with a goal to his name.
Finally, in England, only Alex Iwobi enjoyed a win over the weekend, as he performed excellently well in Arsenal’s remarkable 5-1 win over Everton at the Emirates.
Making his 13th start of the season in 16 games, Iwobi marked a brilliant performance by providing the assist for his side’s third goal, scored by hattrick hero, Aaron Ramsey.
Iwobi was also involved in Arsenal’s opening goal of the afternoon, after combining well with Henrikh Mkhitaryan to set up debutant and record signing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for his debut goal.
#BIG17 lays it off to @aaronramsey on the edge of the box, and Rambo lashes an unstoppable strike into the roof of the net#AFCvEFC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 3, 20183-0
(22) pic.twitter.com/em03QHuvcB
It was the Big17’s third assist in the PL, where he has also scored two goals.
Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester City
After his incredible performances in the FA Cup, Iheanacho was rewarded with a starting berth for the Foxes’ in the 1-1 draw at home against an in form Swansea side.
The ex-Man City star would repay his manager’s trust by assisting his side’s opener, scored by Jamie Vardy in the 17th minute before making way for Demarai Gray in the second half.
For his compatriot, Ndidi, it was business usual, as he was one of the best players on the pitch, alongside teammates, Christian Fuchs and Marc Albrighton.
In the championship, Ola Aina and Hull City suffered a 2-1 loss at Preston North End, with a below average performance from the 19-year-old, who was on from start to finish.
Who was your best Super Eagles player over the weekend? Do let us know in the comment section.
