Nigerian Neymar Runs The Show With Spectacular Assist As Porto Beat Arsenal In PLIC Final

Arsenal were brought crashing down to earth in their Premier League International Cup showpiece against Porto on Tuesday evening, no thanks to the talents of Nigerian wonder kid, Musa Yahaya who set up the winning goal of the 1-0 defeat.

Defensive stalwart Tolaji Bola was named in the hosts starting XI with Aaron Eyoma while the ex-Tottenham Hotspur trainee Yahaya was handed his third start in six games of the tournament for Porto.

It was the former Nigeria U17 youngster who would provide his side's opening goal after just 10 minutes, showcasing his trickery by twisting into space to tee up striker, Madi Queta for an easy finish.

It was evident Arsenal sorely missed the effervescence and decisiveness of their Nigerian players on international duty with England, the likes of Folarin Balogun, Xavier Amaechi and Bukayo Saka.

Olayinka was the only substitute afforded minutes after he replaced striker, Yassin Fortune as they continued to chase the deficit while the scintillating Yahaya went the full ninety for the visitors.

Arsenal star and new academy manager Per Mertesacker was among the spectators at the Emirates who watched the Nigerians on both sides display their wares.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : fcporto.pt