4 takeaways from matches involving Nigeria players : Iheanacho, Chukwueze, Okoye, Akpom

Nigerian players were involved in their clubs' league and FA Cup games in England and Spain on Saturday.  

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents four observations from some of the games that caught the eye. 

1. Iheanacho Loves The FA Cup, FA Cup Loves Iheanacho

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive goal for Leicester City in their 3rd round FA Cup game against Gillingham at Priestfield Stadium. 

The win in which the former Manchester City forward created two chances powered the Foxes to the 4th round of the competition. 

Iheanacho once stated himself that he loves the FA Cup which he has shone in. 

2. Chukwueze Needs To Be More Clinical 

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was in action for Villarreal on Saturday in his club's 2-1 win over Real Madrid. 

With the score at 1-1, the Nigerian was presented with a chance to score the Yellow Submarine's second goal. 

The nimble-footed forward went past two markers and let fly a shot that went wide rather than the top left corner. 

Chukwueze plays a huge role for his club and country with his chance creation and link up plays but needs to be deadlier in front of goal. 

3. Tales of Mixed  Fortunes For Okoye 

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was in goal on Saturday in Watford's 2-0 away defeat against Reading. 

The keeper made a string of first half saves before he conceded a goal in the 45th minute from a cross shot scored by Ghanaian striker, Kelvin Abrefa. 

Watford's exit from the competition was confirmed  in added time after 90 minutes when Shane Long raced onto the ball from a pass deep inside his own half and found the bottom left corner. 

Okoye was left stranded as the ball rolled into the net. 

4. Akpom's Renaissance At Boro 

Forgotten Nigerian striker Chuba Akpom scored his 14th goal in all competitions for Middlesbrough on Saturday in their 3-1 defeat of Premier League side, Brighton.

Akpom was a player that many have written off but the player who was loaned by Middlesbrough from Greek SIDE, PAOK, has continued to revive his career. 

Who knows, by the summer, bigger clubs could be dialing up his agent. 

Izuchukwu Michael

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com