Europa League Wrap : Rilwan Hassan Returns To Action; Chuks Akabueze Involved In Thriller In Skien

A number of Nigerian players were in action for their respective teams on Thursday night in UEFA Europa League play - offs first leg games.

We begin at the Bakcell Arena, Baku, where Qabala took on Panathinaikos. Ex Flying Eagles skipper Abdul Ajagun hopped off the bench in the 67th minute and helped The Greens in their goalless draw against the Azerbaijani opponents.

Former Bulgaria youth international Chigozie Udoji was substituted in the 53rd minute in Dinamo Minsk’s 2 - 0 win over Red Bull Salzburg. The attacking midfielder has suited up 14 times in this competition, including two appearances when it was in its old format.

Sparta Prague defeated Swiss side Thun 3 - 1 at the Generali Arena. Kehinde Fatai was in action for 72 minutes for the Czech Republic team.

Moldovan side Milsami have a huge task in their bid to progress to the group stage after playing out a 1 - 1 draw against Saint-étienne.

Their number 8, Ovye Monday lasted the distance and picked up a yellow card in the 15th minute.

Ex Norway youth international and Rabotnički forward Chuma Anene was substituted in the 86th minute in his team’s 1 - 1 draw with Rubin Kazan. He has been involved in 7 games in the Europa League so far this season, scoring once.

Odd Grenland will head to next Thursday’s return leg against Borussia Dortmund with their confidence deflated and the Norwegians have themselves to blame after they lost 4 - 3 to the Germans despite having a three - goal lead at a stage in the game.

At the Skagerak Arena, Chuks Akabueze was replaced in the 65th minute with the scoreboard reading 3 - 2.

Danish champions FC Midtjylland drew 1 - 1 with hosts Southampton at St Mary’s. Their Nigerian offensive players Rilwan Hassan and Paul Onuachu came off the bench in the 71st and 89th minutes respectively.

Prior to the contest, Hassan had missed the last nine matches contested by The Wolves in all competitions due to injury.