SuperEagles rising star, Samuel Kalu stood out in an otherwise quiet weekend for his national teammates in their respective clubs.
Here is a look at his performance in France and others as they returned to their European clubs after the international break.
Samuel Kalu, Bordeaux
After a series of eye-catching performances, Kalu finally got the reward he has deserved as he netted a lovely goal on Sunday.
The winger beat off two Nimes defenders to score a brilliant score as Bordeaux were held to a 3-3 draw at home.
Germany
Jamilu Collins, Paderborn
Another newbie in the Super Eagles, 24-year-old, left back, Jamilu was on from start to finish as his German second division outfit, Paderborn came from behind twice to claim all three points in an eight-goal thriller.
While he lasted the 90, Jamilu had no hand in any of the goals in their 5-3 win over FC Koln.
Spain
Kenneth Omeruo, Leganes
Center back, Omeruo would be asking himself several questions after another week on the bench. He continues to wait for his first appearance for La Liga side, Leganes, watching on as an unused substitute in their 1-0 loss at home to Villarreal.
Moses Simon, Levante
Levante lost 1-0 to Espanyol without their Nigerian import, Simon, who is still out nursing his thigh injury.
Israel
John Ogu, Hapoel Beer Sheva
Defensive midfielder, Ogu, who captained Nigeria during the break lasted the duration of the game in his club’s 1-0 loss to Ashdod.
Italy
Joel Obi, Chievo Verona
Obi saw just 45 minutes of action in Chievo’s remarkable comeback against AS Roma at the Studio Olympico. Obi was replaced at the break before his side went on to score to goal, which earned them a share of the spoils against Roma.
William Troost-Ekong, Udinese and Ola Aina, Torino
Still in the Serie A, at the Studio Friuli, it was a battle between two Nigerians as Troost-Ekong’s Udinese hosted Torino and Aina.
But while Troost-Ekong played the duration of the game, Aina saw just 15minutes action with both sides settling for a point each after a 1-1 draw.
England
Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester City
It was a difficult day for Ndidi and Iheanacho at the Vitality stadium, as they came, saw and failed to conquer.
In what was basically a one sided affair, the Foxes where put to the sword by their hosts, Bournemouth, who defeated them 4-2 with Ndidi lasting the 90 minutes
Iheanacho played for 29minutes and enhanced his performance by providing the assist for Leicester’s second goal of the evening.
Alex Iwobi, Arsenal
Iwobi was not listed in Arsenal 2-1 victory over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. The playmaker has not featured for the Gunners since their 3-1 win over West Ham United.
Oghenekaro Etebo, Stoke City
In the English second division, Etebo distinguished himself in 84minutes, completing 96% of his passes, two dribbles and interceptions as the Potters held their hosts Sheffield Wednesday to a 2-2 draw. It was his seventh game of the season.
Russia
Bryan Idowu, Lokomotiv Moscow
Idowu watched as a spectator in Lokomotiv 1-1 draw at Moscow.
Turkey
Henry Onyekuru, Galatasaray
Onyekuru was denied a moment of glory by the offside flag when he thought he had scored after coming off the bench in the 80th minute of their 4-1 thrashing of Kasimpasa.
— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) September 16, 2018
