Nigerian Exports : Ibe Benched As Liverpool Thrash Villarreal; Akinola Starts For Braintree In Playoffs; Haruna, Owoeri, Obilor Feature

Published: May 05, 2016

Allnigeriasoccer.com checks on the progress of players of Nigerian descent in Europe on Thursday.

Liverpool will square off against Sevilla in the final of the Europa League after seeing off Villarreal 3-1 on aggregate. While Jordon Ibe watched proceedings from the bench, Sheyi Ojo did not make the 18-man squad of the English side.

In the National League play-off semifinal first leg, Simon Akinola, 23, was named in the starting XI as Braintree Town defeated Grimsby Town 1-0 at Blundell Park. He has been called up to the England C squad in the past.

Kenny Davis converted a spot kick in the 53rd minute after Akinola was fouled by an opponent.

Sarpsborg 08 are through to the fourth round of the Norwegian Cup thanks to their 3-1 win against Fredrikstad. Onyekachi Ugwuadu was missing from the 18-man squad of SO8.

Across the border, John Owoeri came on in the first minute of extra time in BK Hacken’s penalty shootout win versus Malmo after regulation time had ended 2-2.

In the Finnish Veikkausliiga, it ended goalless between RoPS and FC Lahti. RoPS midfielder William Oluremi John started and played for 67 minutes before he subbed out.

Kennedy Nwanganga and Faith Friday Obilor played the entirety of Inter Turku’s 1-0 loss at Seinaejoen JK. Philip Njoku was not on parade for Inter.

Super Eagles midfielder Lukman Haruna started as FC Astana beat Okzhetpes Kokshetau 1-0 at Stadium Zhaksy (Shuchinsk). The Dynamo Kiev loanee was replaced after 68 minutes.

Igho Kingsley