Four takeaways from Nigerian players' performances over the weekend

Over the weekend, there were many games that involved Nigerian internationals and players of Nigerian descent who have not played for the Super Eagles yet. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com here presents four observations from the top matches with Nigerian interests. 

1. Chukwueze ready for Guinea-Bissau 

Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze continues his impressive form of late for Villarreal in the La Liga. 

Gerard Moreno and Jose Luis Morales scored for the Yellow Submarine as Chukwueze bagged two assists in Villarreal's 2-0 win over Almeria. 

Chukwueze's recent form suggests that the Nigerian, barring any injury setback, is one player that could be key in Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau by end of March. 

He has scored 10 goals in all competitions and his brace of assists this weekend brought his total to ten. 

2. Osimhen's Serie A record search halted

One of Europe's hottest properties, Nigeria's Victor Osimhen could not find the net in Napoli's 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the Serie A. 

Osimhen, who has scored 19 Serie A goals so far this season, could have equaled the feat by legendary France striker, David Trezeguet who scored in nine straight games for Juventus. 

Napoli have played so many games this season in all competitions and it begs the questions if fatigue is not setting in already for the Nigerian. 

3. Iheanacho's best role for club and country 

Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho who has shone in the FA Cup fired blanks on Saturday as Leicester City lost 1-0 to Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium.

But the crux is not the fact that Iheanacho played throughout the duration of the game but the manner in which he missed clear-cut chances. 

The Nigerian was presented with three golden opportunities to score for the Foxes, twice with his head and one on the ground. 

These days, Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers seldom starts 36-year-old Jamie Vardy. 

In recent matches, the former  Liverpool and Celtic boss has gone for Iheanacho or Patson Daka to start. 

This is Iheanacho's chance to either prove that he can either continue to lead the lines or perhaps get a better offer elsewhere. 

But more pointedly, Rodgers did not replace him despite the missed chances but rather brought Vardy on to complement him in the second half. 

This is seemingly a better way to get the best out of the forward. That was a good man-management from Rodgers.

This could also be the line to toe for Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau. 

4. Potter's trust in Madueke, Chukwuemeka 

Embattled Chelsea manager, Graham Potter this weekend led the club to a deserved win over Leeds United. 

The Blues whose owner, Todd Boehly has spent several millions in pounds to improve the team had a February to forget having picked up just one goal.

The duo of Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke started from the substitutes' bench in the game against Leeds. 

Madueke arrived England with huge prospects from PSV Eindhoven and in a Chelsea attacking unit that has faltered, perhaps its time to put the trust in the Anglo-Nigerian. 

Chukwuemeka on his part, will have his time but needs to have the good performances whenever he gets a chance. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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