Europa League: Mixed fortunes for Nigerian players

It was a day of mixed fortunes for Nigerian players as the trio of John Mikel Obi, Anthony Nwakaeme and Okechukwu Azubuike kicked off their Europa League campaign with defeats on Thursday.

Former Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi and Nwakaeme suffered a narrow defeat in Spain as Getafe defeated them 1-0.

Mikel was however impressive despite the loss, as he completed the most passes (53), won the most tackles (4) and was the most fouled player on the pitch.

For Nwakaeme, it was a quiet day at the office for him as he was caged for the 83 minutes he spent on the pitch.

Azubuike thrashed in Roma
Under-23 Captain, Okechukwu Azubuike and his club, Istanbul Basaksehir suffered a humiliating defeat in Rome.

Inspired by youngster, Nicolo Zaniolo, Roma ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at the Stadio Olympico.

Azubuike was a second-half substitute, playing for 21 minutes in the game that saw Zaniolo score one and assisted two of the four goals.

At Ibrox Stadium in Scotland, it was Sheyi Ojo who outshine new Super Eagles star, Joe Aribo in their 1-0 victory over Feyenoord.

Ojo scored the only goal of the match before making way on 74 minutes while Aribo was only handed a cameo as he played for just eight minutes.

Rabiu Ibrahim and Slovan Bratislava enjoyed a winning start to their Europa League campaign following an impressive 4-2 win over Bekistas.

Ibrahim was one of Bratislava better players on the night, creating two chances, completing 100% of his take-ons in addition to two interceptions before making way on 88 minutes.

Elsewhere, it was no show for the trio of Uche Agbo, Braga, and Gent’s duo of Philil Azango and Reuben Yem.

None of them tasted action as their teams picked up valuable three points against Wolves and Saint-Etienne respectively.

Finally, Nigerian-born Bukayo Saka was the star of the day for Arsenal as they put three goals past Frankfurt in Germany.

Saka scored one, a superb goal and assisted another as the Gunners left it late to see off the Bundesliga side.