After a three-month break, we welcome back the international break. But first, we take a look at what Super Eagles players were up to at the weekend in their European clubs.
We kick this off with a trip to Israel, where John Ogu was a happy man, after an impressive display on Sunday.
Ogu helped his side, Hapoel Beer Sheeva to a 1-0 win over Bnei Yehuda at home in the Israeli league.
He scored the only goal of the game in the first half, as Be’er continue their battle for another league title.
https://twitter.com/ogujohnugo/status/975676410777030657
It was Ogu’s second of the season, coming in his 21st game for the champions.
In France, despite his impressive performances recently, Chidozie Awaziem was a spectator on the bench as Nantes held their hosts, Metz, to a 1-1 draw in the French Ligue 1, while in the Netherlands, fullback, Tyroone Ebuehi was absent as his Eredivisie side, ADO Den Haag emerged 2-1 winners at Excelsior.
In England, it was FA Cup weekend for some Premier League sides, including Victor Moses‘ Chelsea and Leicester City, where the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi ply their trade.
Leicester were the home side, and battled against the Blues for a place in the semifinals of the Emirates FA Cup at the King Power stadium.
The trio started and finished the game, but for Iheanacho, who played for 68minutes before he was substituted.
However, despite defensive midfielder, Ndidi, been the best player for the Foxes and Nigerian on the pitch, it was Moses and his Chelsea side who had the last laugh, after a Pedro Rodriguez goal handed them a 2-1 extra time victory.
Ndidi ended the game with 17 duels won, which include two clearances, five tackles and three interceptions won.
Meanwhile, in England’s second division, the Championship, versatile defender, Ola Aina had a weekend to forget, alongside his team, Hull City.
The Tigers were at the receiving end of a 3-0 thrashing at Birmingham City, with Aina on from start to finish.
The 19-year-old on loan Chelsea would be grateful for the timing of the international break.
Leon Balogun of the ‘Oyibo Wall’ fame was another player whose team, Mainz 05, also received a hammering.
Mainz were visitors at Eintract Frankfurt, who handed them a 3-0 whitewash, with Balogun the only player from his side to come out with any form of credibility, as he was rated 7.1.
After celebrating his recall to the national team with a minor injury, Italy based midfielder, Joel Obi, was back amongst his team’s match day squad.
But he was only considered good enough for the bench, as he watched his Torino teammates hold Fiorentina to a 1-1 draw away from home.
At least, he’s back to match fitness, which would gladden the hearts of Super Eagles handler, given Obi’s form this season for the Serie A side.
Spain
Oghenekaro Onazi, Las Palmas
Since his loan move from Portugal to Spain, Oghenekaro Etebo has been a constant feature for his La Liga side.
But he was conspicuously missing at the weekend when his relegation threatened side team earned a valuable point at Deportivo, after a 1-1 draw.
Turkey
Ogenyi Onazi, Trabzonspor
After he started the last few games on the bench, Onazi made a triumphant return as he was handed a starting berth against Yeni Melatya.
The Super Eagles vice captain wrapped up proceedings for his side, Trabzonspor, scoring the last goal in their 4-1 annihilation of Yeni at home.
William Troost-Ekong, Shehu Abdullahi, Bursaspor
Troost-Ekong return from suspension went was a success, as he helped his side to a clean sheet in their 1-0 win against Sivasspor.
Ekong was on from start to finish, but his compatriot at the club, Shehu Abdullahi, was not listed at all.
