EiE: Success, Ajayi on target as Shehu returns from injury

Eagles in Europe can reveal that Shehu Abdullahi has returned from his long term injury, while Isaac Success sent his club through to the next round in the English FA Cup.

We take a look at these and more performances from Super Eagles players at their respective clubs in Europe at the weekend.

Bursaspor’s Abdullahi played his first game since October 2018 as they held Kayserispor to a 1-1 draw. It was Abdullahi’s first game since October 13 when he picked up an injury while on international duty with Nigeria.

Abdullahi, who had returned to training since November, played for just ten minutes after coming on as a substitute in just his second game of the season.

Also in Turkey, Henry Onyekuru failed to add to his nine goals this season despite playing for 90minutes in Galatasaray’s 0-1 win at Goztepe.

At the Caykur Didi Stadyumu, young defender, Chidozie Awaziem, made his debut for Rizespor in their 3-1 home victory over Akhisarspor.

He replaced Aatif Chahechouhe with nine minutes left on the clock.

Another player who made his debut at a new club was Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, who sealed a short-term deal at English club, Middlesbrough last week.

Mikel was on the pitch for just over an hour as Newport County forced a replay in the FA Cup after a 1-1 at the Riverside.

He had 44 touches, won two tackles and created one chance from his defensive midfield role.

Still in England, where the domestic league took a short break for some action in the Emirates FA Cup, former youth international, Isaac Success, was the star performer.

Success led his Watford side to the Fifth round after netting the winner against fellow PL side, Newcastle United, at St. James’ Park.

Apart from his goal, the forward, who was a constant menace to the Newcastle defense that struggled to handle him throughout the game, fouling him eight times, the most by any player, also contributed immensely without the ball.

Success won all his attempted tackles [2/2], four aerial duels and one interception as the Hornets secured a place in Monday draws thanks to a 2-0 win.

Earlier on, Alex Iwobi and Arsenal suffered humiliation at home when Manchester United sent them parking from the FA Cup.

With Iwobi on the pitch, the Red Devils came, saw and conquered the Gunners 1-3 at their backyard on Friday. Iwobi played for 64minutes.

It may have been a cup tie but the story was the same for Leon Balogun whose Brighton & Hove Albion side was forced to a replay by their visitors, West Brom Albion.

The Oyinbo Wall member was not listed at all for their goalless draw against the championship outfit.

Still in England but this time in the Championship where the duo of Oghenekaro Etebo and Semi Ajayi suffered defeats.

Etebo’s Stoke City were humbled 2-0 at home by Preston North End with the all action midfielder the only player to come out with any form of credibility.

Etebo played from start to finish, contributing four take-ons, one tackle, one aerial duel and three interceptions.

For Ajayi, his Rotherham United team continued their free fall with another defeat, losing 2-1 at home to league leaders, Leeds United.

But while they may have lost, Ajayi netted his side’s consolation goal after driving in a right footed effort from outside the box to put his side 1-0 ahead.

Ajayi played as a defensive midfielder for Rotherham in that game, featuring from start to finish.

France
Samuel Kalu, Bordeaux

A Kalu-less Bordeaux were beaten by Strasbourg 1-0 in the French Ligue 1. Kalu was not listed for that match.

Italy
William Troost-Ekong, Udinese

It was a weekend to forget for the other half of the oyinbo wall, Troost-Ekong, who suffered a 4-0 demolition at Sampdoria.

Joel Obi, Chievo Verona
Obi was expectedly missing in Verona’s 4-3 home loss to Fiorentina. The midfielder missed the game due to an injury.

Ola Aina, Torino

Aina’s Torino secured a hard-fought victory over Inter Milan, with Aina on for the duration of the game. He was however booked in the 1-0 win, his second yellow of the season.

Spain
Kenneth Omeruo, Leganes

Omeruo’s Leganes played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at home to Eibar with Omeruo playing for 90minutes.

However, Omeruo finished with an incredible ten aerial duels won, two tackles and one interception.

Samuel Chukwueze, Villarreal
The youngster started on the bench in their 3-0 defeat to Valencia. He came on in the 60th minute with his side already 2-0 down.

Israel
John Ogu, Hapoel Beer Sheva

It seems Ogu and Beer Sheva won’t be defending their 2018 title as their poor season continued with their 7th loss of the season.

Hapoel Raanana were just too strong for Ogu and his team of champions, drilling them with a 3-0 hammer.

Ogu was on from start to finish.