Nigerian players abroad returned to action for their respective clubs after the international break, as Samuel Chukwueze made a match-winning assist, while midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin returns to action for the first time since late September, www.aclsports.com reports.
After Nigeria failed to reach the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next year, the trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze returned to action for Fulham against Sunderland on Saturday. It was the latter who came off the bench to provide the assist for Raul Jimenez’s winner. The win made it back-to-back Premier League wins at home for Marco Silva’s side.
In Turkey, midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin made his return to the pitch for Rizespor in their 5-2 defeat at the hands of Fenerbahçe on Sunday. The former Abia Warriors player picked up an injury against Kasimpasa in late September. Having missed six consecutive league matches, the 27-year-old featured in the final 29 minutes of the heavy home loss.
Following his strong performances with the Super Eagles in the playoffs, Wilfred Ndidi played all 90 minutes in Besiktas’ 1-1 draw with Samsunspor on Sunday. Meanwhile, injured Victor Osimhen was missing in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Genclerbirligi.
Also in the Premier League, Tolu Arokodare started for Wolves in their 2-0 home loss to Crystal Palace. The former Genk striker, who is still waiting for his first Premier League goal, has two goals in the Carabao Cup for the PL side since his move in the summer. Meanwhile, Uche Christantus was on the bench for the entire duration of the game for Crystal Palace.
Defender Chidozie Awaziem turned from villain to hero as Nantes played out a 1-1 draw with Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday. The 28-year-old first scored an own-goal in the first half to hand the visitors the lead before scoring an equalizer in stoppage time to rescue a point for the Canaries. Winger Moses Simon came on as a substitute in the final 30 minutes of Paris FC’s 4-2 defeat at Lille.
In the Italian Serie A, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye saved a penalty, but that was not enough to prevent Udinese from losing 3-0 to Bologna at home. Super Eagles goalie Amas Obasogie was on the bench in Singida Black Stars’ 2-0 defeat at the hands of CR Belouizdad in the CAF Confederation Cup.
In the Belgian Pro League, midfielder Raphael Onyedika, having played no minutes in the international window for the Super Eagles, played all 90 minutes in Club Brugge’s 1-0 win over Charleroi. Defender Benjamin Fredrick did not feature in Dender’s 2-1 win at Antwerp.
