Five takeaways from Nigerian players in action in European league, cup matches midweek 

Many leagues and Cup games went down on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and there were Nigerians in action for their clubs. 

 

All Nigeria Soccer picks out five performances by the Nigerian stars that caught the eye albeit a little more were on duty for their clubs on both nights. 

1. Osimhen's Missed Goal Target 

 

Victor Osimhen failed to score against Tuesday in the the Serie A in Napoli's 2-0 win against Empoli but his overall play and physicality troubled the Empoli defence to no end. 

 

Albeit he was brought down in the 69th minute that led to the penalty converted by Mexican forward, Hirving Lozano.

 

Osimhen could not find the back of the net which would have seen him match Arkadiusz Milik’s record for most goals in consecutive matches for Napoli in the Serie A. 

 

Osimhen's goal against Ademola Lookman's Atalanta last weekend ensured that he eclipsed the record held by Simy Nwankwo as Nigeria's most prolific striker in the Italian topflight. 

 

Simy had scored 31 goals in the Serie A for all the clubs he represented. 

 

2. Ekong Is Back On Form 

 

Super Eagles vice captain William Troost-Ekong has consistently played well for his Championship side Watford of late and was instrumental as they kept a clean sheet Tuesday night with a 3-0 defeat of Reading. 

 

Ekong had a period of time that his form dipped and saw his place in the starting lineup taken away from him but he has been regular with his output and consistency. 

 

International teammate, Samuel Kalu came off the bench in the game but goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was an unused substitute. 

 

3. Ovie Ejaria's Nigeria Audition? 

 

There has always been media speculation that Reading FC forward Ovie Ejaria will be playing for the Super Eagles as his chances of donning the Red and White of the Three Lions of England is limited. 

 

Ejaria according to some reports was one of the Nigeria-eligible players that was approached by proxies of the Nigeria Football Federation to ascertain their willingness to okay for Nigeria. 

 

Ejaria's response was said to be positive but its unsure if he will be in the team for the November 17 high profile international friendly game against Portugal. 

 

Ejaria played for 80 minutes in Tuesday's 3-0 defeat to Watford and with the Nigerian interest in that game, surely head coach Jose Peseiro would have cast his eyes on the player. 

 

Tom Dele-Bashiru came on in the third minute of stoppage time. 

4. Iwobi Should Have Started In Everton's Defeat To Bournemouth 

 

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi came off the bench in Everton's 4-1 defeat to Bournemouth in Tuesday's Carabao Cup game. 

 

Iwobi began the move that led to the consolation goal scored by Demarai Gray. 

 

The Nigerian has continued to impress in the middle of the pack for the Toffees. 

 

Evidenced by his second half performance at the Vitality Stadium, Everton manager Frank Lampard could have started Austin Jay Jay Okocha's nephew as his creativity is key to what Everton are capable of achieving this season and beyond. 

 

Perhaps an earlier introduction or even a starting spot might have helped Everton win this contest of Premier League clubs. 

 

5. Lucky Bassey

 

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey was fortunate not to be named as reason why Ajax capitulated in their midweek Eredevisie match against Vitesse Arnhem. 

 

With barely five minutes to the end of the game, the former Rangers defender slipped almost embarrassingly but swiftly got up on his heels as he closed down on Dutch striker of Ghanaian heritage Mohamed Sanko who outpaced him.

 

The Nigerian who noticeably drifted infield from his left back position to form an overload in midfield when Ajax attacked has been criticized by some former Dutch internationals and the media for not living up to the hype he generated following his summer move from the Gers.

Izuchukwu Michael
 

 

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