Nigerians abroad: Moses, Akor on target; Okoye continues fine form

Nantes forward Simon Moses and Montpellier forward James Akor scored in a thrilling game in France to lead a list of Nigerians who made their mark abroad in the past weekend, www.aclsports.com reports.

In the Premier League, Leceister City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi made an assist in his side’s home loss to Aston Villa, while Joe Aribo’s Southampton remain without a win after three games into the new season.

Here is a summary of how the weekend went for all of them.

FRANCE

Akor Adams (Montpellier) & Moses Simon (Nantes): Super Eagles winger Moses Simon scored for the second consecutive game to inspire Nantes to a fine 3-1 away win at Akor Adams’ struggling Montpellier on Saturday. Former junior international Akor equalized for Montpellier after Matthis Abline had given Nantes a 24th-minute lead but the visitors, led by Simon’s goal from the spot, eventually prevailed to take all three points.

Gift Orban (Lyon): Orban played a key role in Lyon’s comeback win in Ligue 1. Les Gones were down 3-1 when Gift Orban was introduced from the bench just before the hour mark. Just two minutes after his introduction, Ainsley Maitland-Niles reduced the deficit for the hosts, before Orban connected with an Alex Lacazette cross to make it 3-3. The 21-year-old forward then met Fofana’s cross with a firm header to net the winner for his side’s maiden win of the season.

ENGLAND:

Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey (Fulham): The Super Eagles duo were in action for Fulham in their 1-1 draw at Ipswich Town. Iwobi was taken off late on, while Bassey played the entire duration of the contest.

Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest): Aina made his third consecutive start for the Reds as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Wolves on Saturday. Compatriot Awoniyi was a substitute again as he came on for Elliot Anderson in stoppage time. Both are expected to link up with the Super Eagles ahead of the international window.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City): The Super Eagles midfielder was in action for the Foxes in their 2-1 home loss to Aston Villa. He assisted Facundo Buonanotte for his side’s only goal as their struggles to the start of the new campaign were extended.

Josh Maja and Semi Ajayi (West Brom): Maja and Semi featured once again as the Baggies defeated Swansea City 1-0 at home to continue their fine start to the Championship season. Maja, who provided the assist to Jayson Molumby for the game’s only goal, to his season’s goal involvements to five (four goals and one assist) in four games.

SCOTLAND

Moses Ebiye (Motherwell): Former Akwa United forward Moses Ebiye scored a late winner in Motherwell’s 2-1 win over St. Johnstone to open his account for the season.

Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun (Rangers): The Super Eagles duo featured in Rangers’ 3-0 drubbing at Celtic on Sunday.

ITALY

Maduka Okoye (Udinese): The Nigerian goalkeeper was in goal for Udinese who claimed another win at home. Okoye stood tall in goal to help his side beat Como 1-0 on Sunday.

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan): The Super Eagles winger played 70 minutes in Milan’s 2-2 draw at Lazio to Parma on Saturday. The former Villarreal man remains without a goal involvement this season.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli): Following an awkward end to the transfer saga, striker Victor Osimhen was not listed by Antonio Conte as Napoli came from behind to beat Parma 2-1 on Saturday.

TURKEY

Ibrahim Olawoyin (Rizespor): The mercurial midfielder played 90 minutes for Rizespor in his side’s 1-0 home defeat to Kasimpasa.

SPAIN

Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla): Ejuke, who had a goal chalked off, played the entire duration of the game as Sevilla fell 2-0 to Girona at home. Meanwhile, Iheanacho was an unused substitute in the encounter.

Chrisantus Uche (Getafe): Uche played all 90 minutes in his side’s goalless draw with Sadiq Umar’s Real Sociedad.

USA

Chidozie Awaziem and Obinna Nwobodo (Cincinnati): Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem was excellent at the back for his side as they beat visiting Montréal 4-1 at home. Awaziem then capped his fine performance with an assist to Sergio Santos for Cincinnati’s fourth goal of the encounter. Nwobodo also played the entire duration for Cincinnati, while, former Nasarawa United striker Ibrahim Sunusi was an unused substitute for the visitors.

SOUTH AFRICA

Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates): Olisa Ndah, captain of the day for the Sea Robbers, featured in the entire duration of the contest as Orlando Pirates beat Cape Town City 2-0  (3-1 on aggregate) to reach another MTN 8 Cup final.