Oyinbo Wall star, Leon Balogun, was back as a spectator as action continued in the festive season. With many European leagues on break, few Nigerians were in action for their sides and here is their scorecard.
Balogun benched as Iwobi suffers humiliation at Anfield
After their incredible victories against Chelsea and Manchester City, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho suffered a shocking defeat at home to Cardiff City on Saturday.
Ndidi featured for 90minutes while Iheanacho was given 22minutes on the pitch as a second substitute in their 0-1oss to the Bluebirds at the King Power stadium.
Another Super Eagles player who suffered a loss is playmaker, Alex Iwobi. Iwobi played from start to finish in a humiliating defeat to Liverpool.
While they were thoroughly thrashed by Jurgen Klopp’s men, the Nigerian was one of the few Arsenal players to come out the tie with some sort of credibility.
Iwobi was the architect of his side’s only goal, as his wonderful cross found Ainsley Maitland-Niles for the opening goal of the match before they went on to lose 5-1.
He created three chances in that game, with one ending in an assist, his third of the season.
Elsewhere in the PL, forward, Isaac Success was handed a starting berth in Watford’s 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle United.
Despite having four shots, Success was caged for 90minutes and was unable to add to tally this season. He has just one goal in 20 appearances.
In the lower division, the Sky Bet. Oghenekaro Etebo watched from start to finish on the bench as Stoke City held their hosts, Bolton Wanderers, to a goalless draw.
Italy
Troost-Ekong, Obi enjoy Post-Christmas wins in Serie A
It was a very good day at the office for two of Super Eagles stars plying their trade in the Italian Serie A.
The duo of William Troost-Ekong of Udinese and Chievo Verona’s midfielder, Joel Chukwuma Obi saw their teams pick valuable wins on Saturday.
Chievo defeated Frosinone 1-0 at home without their Nigerian midfielder, who was not listed for the tie due to an injury, while Troost-Ekong put on a man of the match performance to help his side to a win a clean sheet at Dacia Arena.
Ekong won five clearances, four interceptions and hundred percent of his aerial duels as Udinese won 2-0 against Cagliari.
And finally, Ola Aina was surprisingly left out of Torino’s visit to Lazio, where they left with a point after a 1-1 draw. Aina watched that game on the bench.
Israel
John Ogu, Hapoel Beer Sheva
Ogu was on from start to finish of Sheva’s narrow 1-0 victory over FC Ashdod.
