EPL wrap: Aina gives away penalty; Solanke on target once again; Iwobi, Bassey lose; Seriki benched

Allnigeriasoccer.com's round-up of Nigeria-eligible players that were in action for their respective clubs in the English Premier League on Boxing Day. 

In the early kickoff, Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways by beating Newcastle United 3-1 at St James' Park. 

After three successive games without getting a start, Ola Aina returned to Forest's starting lineup and was in action for the entirety of the game, while international teammate Taiwo Awoniyi expectedly missed out following groin surgery. 

Alexander Isak converted a penalty he had won after Ola Aina clipped his heels in the box, but the two-time European champions secured a win courtesy of Chris Wood's hat-trick. 

At the Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth faced Fulham and all eyes were on Dominic Solanke who has been linked with a potential call-up to the England national team on the back of his fine form for Bournemouth. 

There were starts for Solanke and Fulham trio Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Tosin Adarabioyo as the Cherries made it six wins from seven, beating the Londoners 3-0. 

After Justin Kluivert's opener a minute before the end of the first half, Solanke doubled the advantage with around half an hour left to play when he converted a spot kick to take his tally to 13 for the season in all competitions.

Luis Sinisterra scored the pick of the bunch with a curling shot from 25 yards in stoppage time.

In a thrilling game at Bramall Lane, Luton Town showed their character to beat Sheffield United 3-2, with four Nigeria-eligible players named in the matchday squads. 

Defender Femi Seriki and forward William Osula were on the bench of the Blades, while 2015 Golden Eaglets invitee Gabriel Osho and Elijah Adebayo started for the Hatters. 

Alfie Doughty, on 17 minutes, opened the scoring; Oliver McBurnie and Anel Ahmedhodzic found the net to put Sheffield United 2-1 up before two calamitous own goals cost the home team a win.

Osula was in action for the last four minutes and Adebayo played for 71 minutes. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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