Nigerian Exports: Shehu, Echiejile,Esiti Go The Distance; Strikers Fire Blanks In Norway; Onazi, Obi Benched

Allnigeriasoccer.com reviews the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the European Leagues on Sunday.

In the Serie A, Eddy Onazi was an unused substitute as Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw by AC Milan at the San Siro. The midfielder has played only once in the last seven top-flight games contested by the capital outfit.

Joel Obi Chukwuwa was also an unused sub for Torino in their 4-1 loss to champions Juventus in Turin.

At Stadio M. A. Bentegodi, Jerry Mbakogu came off the bench in the 64th minute in Carpi’s 2-1 victory against Hellas Verona. He has managed one goal in 18 appearances for the Biancorossi in the league.

Across the boarder in France, Super Eagles wing-back Elderson Echiejile worked a ninety-minute shift in defense in Monaco’s 2-0 victory against Monaco at the Parc des Princes.

In Portugal, Anderson Esiti assisted Estoril to beat Academica 3-0, playing the full game at Estádio Cidade de Coimbra.

Michael Uchebo (83 min) and Reuben Gabriel (90 min) were both second-half subs in Boavista’s 1-0 loss to Benfica. Teammate Uche Nwofor did not dress for the game.

Super Eagles defender Abdullahi Shehu played the entirety of Uniao da Madeira’s 2-0 loss suffered at the hands of Sporting Braga.

Swedish-Nigerian striker Edward Ofere joined the fray in the 68th minute in the derby between Dundee United and Dundee FC. It ended 2-2 at Tannadice Park. He was booked in the 87th minute.

Rilwan Hassan started and played 75 minutes of FC Midtjylland’s 3-2 defeat to SoenderjyskE in the Danish Superliga. Dream Team forward Paul Onuachu hopped off the bench in the 62nd minute.

Out-of-favour Super Eagles winger Chuks Akabueze was in action for 90 minutes as Odd Grenland played out a goalless draw with his former team SK Brann in the Norwegian Premier League.

Fred Friday and Innocent Bonke went the distance as Lillestrom played out a 1-1 draw with Bodoe/Glimt at Aaraasen. Bonke was cautioned in the 66th minute.

Suleiman Abdullahi and Samuel Adegbenro were both handed starts as Viking shared the spoils with Sarpsborg 08. The later was replaced in the 90th minute, whereas new signings Usman Sale and Aniekpeno Udoh were unused subs.

In the Turkish Super Lig, ex Kwara United stopper Gbenga Arokoyo remains out of favour at Gaziantepspor due to injury and missed the tenth straight game in the top-flight against Mersin (0-0).

Attacking midfielder John Chibuike was introduced in the 89th minute. He has recorded 24 appearances, netting five times.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel