Cologne's Ehizibue, Paderborn's Collins Make Big Impression On Bundesliga Debuts But Clubs Lose; Mainz's Awoniyi Cameo

Published: August 18, 2019

Three Nigerian players made their debuts in the German Bundesliga on the opening day of the 2019-2020 season.

Munich-born Nigerian fullback Kingsley Ehizibue was in action for 90 minutes as FC Cologne suffered a 2-1 loss to VfL Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena.

The 24-year-old signed a four-year contract with FC Cologne in the off-season, which ended his stint with Dutch clubs.

Ehizibue won 89 percent of his challenges, clocked up a joint top speed of 34km/hour and completed 80 percent of his dribbles.

At the BayArena (Leverkusen), Super Eagles first choice left-back Jamilu Collins lasted the entire duration as Bundesliga newcomers SC Paderborn suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen.

Collins racked up a game-high seven interceptions over the course of ninety minutes and made two clearances and one tackle.

Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi played the last five minutes of Mainz's 3-0 loss to Freiburg at the Schwarzwald-Stadion (Freiburg im Breisgau).

The home team were 2-0 up thanks to goals from Lucas Holer and Jonathan Schmid before the Nigeria international came off the bench.

Igho Kingsley