Nigerian Exports: Onazi,Ezekiel,Akanji, Onomah Crash Out Of Europa League; Fatai, Ibe Advance

Catch up on the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Super Eagle Eddy Onazi is finding it difficult to convince Lazio manager Stefano Pioli about his qualities. The central midfielder watched proceedings from the bench as the Italians lost 3-0 to Czech Republic side Sparta Prague in Rome.

Former Flying Eagles striker Kehinde Fatai came off the bench in the 83rd minute. It was his 14th appearance in Europe for Sparta Prague since joining the club in summer of 2015.

Bayer Leverkusen teenage striker Ufumwen Osawe was not considered for selection as the Germans were held to a goalless draw by Villarreal, who progressed to the last eight.

It was a bad night indeed for players with Nigerian heritage, with Imoh Ezekiel and Stefano Okaka crashing out of the competition, with Anderlecht after losing 4-1 on aggregate to Ukrainian powerhouse Shakhtar Donetsk at Constant Vanden Stock.

Ezekiel partnered Okaka in the attack of the Belgians and was replaced in the 73rd minute.

Over to Old Trafford, Jordon Ibe was an unused substitute as Liverpool were forced to a 1-1 draw by Manchester United. Teammate Sheyi Ojo was not selected in the 18-man squad. The Anfield side are through to the last eight.

Switzerland youth international Manuel Akanji is still recovering from injury and missed FC Basel’s 3-0 loss to holders Sevilla at Estadio R. Sanchez Pizjuan.

After losing the first leg in Germany, Tottenham Hotspur were beaten 2-1 at White Hart Lane by Borussia Dortmund. England midfielder

Dele Alli started and played 70 minutes of the tie, while Josh Onomah was introduced in the 74th minute.

Igho Kingsely