Nigerians Harmony Ikande and Francis Benjamin were on parade for 90 minutes as Hapoel Tel Aviv fell 1 - 0 to bitter rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Toto League Cup.

Despite being an official competition sanctioned by the Israeli Federation, the rules permit teams to field trialists, that is players not registered, so Francis was given a final opportunity to impress manager Asi Domb on Sunday.

Muli Holztman, who monitored the game, told allnigeriasoccer.com : “ He (Francis ) was great, good pace and good athletic abilities. Needs to improve his position during the game but overall very good debut. ”

If Heartland rubber-stamp Francis Benjamin’s imminent switch to Hapoel Tel Aviv, the left back is likely to append his signature to at least a one - year contract.

Meanwhile, the other Nigerian that tested with Hapoel Tel Aviv last month, Mathew Boniface, will not be offered a deal.

Photo Credit : one.co.il