There was no shortage of goals on Thursday night in the Europa League yet sadly only one came off the boot off a Nigerian player of the nine that were involved in the twenty-something games.
Here’s how each fared
Konyaspor *2-1 Guimaraes
Patrick Friday was booked in the 61st minute and lasted about 80′ as his team picked up.
Lazio 2-0* Waregem
In Italy, Peter Olayinka was called from the bench in the 46th minute against Lazio.
Although Waregem trailed 1-0 from the first half, Olayinka’s introduction gave them verve and the player himself came close on one occasion to level the scoreline.
However, Ciro Immobile will strike the final blow to secure Lazio a 2-0 home win.
Ostersunds *1-0 Hertha Berlin
Alhaji Gero played the duration of the game as his Swedish team, Ostersunds picked a narrow 1-0 win against Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin.
The Nigerian striker was a menace on the night, twice coming close to scoring but for some excellent goalkeeping from Berlin’s Kraft.
Plzen 3-1* Hapoel Be’er Sheva
Czech Republic was the only center on the night where two Nigerian players were on the pitch at any time.
John Ogu started for Hapoel and was very much involved in the early exchanges, showing power and bossing the midfield.
Ogu registered two shots on goal as his team tried to restore parity.
Meanwhile, just over an hour and Anthony Nwakaeme was introduced.
The 28-year-old didn’t take to long to make his make his presence felt. Seven minutes after coming on, he leveled the score for Hapoel.
However, they would lose eventually.
Not the result we wanted but work continues !! Thank you to our traveling fans . Appreciated 👍👍 pic.twitter.com/u9GJUIhKAF
— John Ogu (@ogujohnugo) September 28, 2017
Rosenborg *3-1 Vardar
Rosenborg scored three on the night, but forward Samuel Adegbenro was not involved as much in the goals. He did play the entire duration of the game though.
AEK Athens 2-2* Austria Wien
Shehu Abdullahi is settling into life with his new club, Austria Wien and on Thursday was in the starting line up.
He was however booked with only 15 minutes on the clock.
Mu’azam had a indifferent night and after 59 minutes with his side ahead, was replaced. The game eventually ended 2-2.
Lokomotiv Moscow 3-0* Zlin
Moses Ekpai travelled with Zlin to the City of Moscow, but had no answer to the dominance of the home side, who ran away 3-0 victors.
Skenderbeu *1-1 Young Boys
24-year-old midfielder, James played the duration of the game for Skenderbeu as they settled for a share of the spoils.
