EiE: Etebo, Balogun, Nwakaeme impress at the weekend

Nigeria’s trio of Oghenekaro Etebo, Leon Balogun and Anthony Nwakaeme were at their absolute best at the weekend as monitored by Eagles in Europe, EiE.

Here is a recap of their performances and how  other Super Eagles stars performed at their respective European clubs.

Oghenekaro Etebo was very good as Getafe continued their push for European football next season with a narrow 0-1 win at Real Mallorca.

The workhorse was his usual self for his club, raking up four (4) interceptions and three (3) shots, one of which brought out the best in Manolo Reina, Mallorca’s goalkeeper, who denied the Nigerian with an outstanding point-blank save in the second half.

Etebo, who picked up a booking in the game, was substituted in added time.

Samuel Chukwueze continued his new role on the Villarreal bench but came on in the second half to plane for just 23 minutes as they lost 1-0 Athletic Club.

Leganes’s duo of Chidozie Awaziem and Kenneth Omeruo were on from start to finish as the spoils were shared with their visitors Alaves.

Awaziem picked up his sixth yellow card of the season in that game but recorded three (3) interceptions, 100% tackles, one chance created and one key pass.

Still in the LaLiga, Ramos Azeez came off the bench to play for 33 minutes as Granda were held to a goalless draw at home by Celta Vigo.

Paderborn’s free fall continued in the German Bundesliga, with the latest coming against Mainz 05.

In England, Leon Balogun was the standout performer as he led Wigan to another clean sheet, this time against West Bromwich Albion and Semi Ajayi.

For the 69 minutes he was on the pitch, Balogun hardly put a foot wrong, with two (2) interceptions and one (1) match-winning tackle to help the Latics record a 0-1 win at the Hawthorns.

For the Super Eagles in the English Premier League, it was a winless weekend, Wilfred Ndidi was a second half substitute, while Kelechi Iheanacho started and finished in their 1-0 loss to Norwich City.

Alex Iwobi was a mere spectator as Everton held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

The newly-promoted side lost 2-0 with Jamilu Collins one of few to leave the pitch with his head held high.

The Super Eagles left-back created the most chances (2), two (2 ) key passes, five (5) interceptions, four (4) tackles, and four (4) clearances.

Club Brugge bounced back from their Europa League humiliation at Old Trafford on Thursday with a 1-2 win over Paul Onuachu‘s Gent in Belgium.

Brugge were still without Dennis Bonaventure, while Onuachu was nowhere near the Gent squad for the game.

For Joe Aribo and Rangers in Scotland, it was a 1-0 loss and setback at Hearts with Aribo on for the duration of the game.

Victor Osimhen had blank a weekend in the French Ligue 1 as Nantes caged him for 90 minutes but didn’t stop his side from walking away with all three points courtesy of a 0-1 win.

Compatriot, Moses Simon was also on the pitch but could do nothing as Nantes suffered the narrow loss.

Finally, in Italy, Ola Aina watched helplessly as Torino fell 2-1 at Napoli.

Bonus

Whether he is starting or coming off the bench, Anthony Nwakaeme has produced the goods for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig this season.

On Saturday, he was at it again after coming off the bench to inspire his club to a 5-2 win over Rizespor.

With Trabzonspors 1-0 down the wide forward came on at the start of the second half helping them turn the game around.

He scored the fourth goal and assisted the fifth as they routed their visitors.

He also created three chances, two key passes, and completed two take-ons.

Nwakaeme has now scored 10 goals and assists six (6) in 22 appearances for Trabzonspor.