Nigerian Exports MLS : Adi Back On The Goal Trail; Anibaba, Amarikwa Play 90 Minutes; Stephen, Emeghara Feature

Catch up on the performances of players of Nigerian descent in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

At BC Place Stadium (Vancouver, British Columbia), Canada international Sam Adekugbe remained on the bench throughout the duration of Vancouver Whitecap’s 2-1 loss to New England Revolution.

Fatai Alashe and Quincy Amarikwa started at the Camping World Stadium in Florida as San Jose Earthquakes were held to a 2-2 draw by Orlando City.

Nigerian-born Innocent Emeghara was a second-half substitute, replacing Alashe in the 78th minute.

At BBVA Compass Stadium, Jalil Anibaba made his tenth start for Houston Dynamo as they were held to a goalless draw by DC United. He played the full game.

At Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Kennedy Igboananike played the entirety of Chicago Fire’s 2-1 loss to Colorado Rapids.

Sunday Stephen (Real Salt Lake) and Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers) started for their respective teams at the Rio Tinto Stadium, while ex-USA youth-teamer Amobi Okugo was on the bench for the visitors. It ended two goals apiece.

Adi struck his ninth goal of the season in the 29th minute and was replaced in the first minute of second-half stoppage time. 

It was his sixth goal against Real Salt Lake, the most scored by a Timbers player against the same opponents since they joined the MLS. Meanwhile, Sunday Stephen was replaced in the 64th minute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel