The 2016/2017 season of the Premier League in England started over the weekend, we look at the contribution of Nigerian players to their respective club sides in the opening fixture
Ahmed Musa He looked lively on his debut in the English top-flight as defending champions Leicester City surprisingly lost 2-1 to manager-less and newly promoted side Hull City at the KCOM Stadium.
The former CSKA star worked tirelessly and provided chances for star forward Jamie Vardy to break the deadlock of which he was unable to convert. He played the entire duration of the game but could not prevent the Foxes becoming the first club during the Premier League era to lose its opening fixture as a defending champion. While for Hull City who were the victorious side, they were made to do it without Moses Odubajo who could not make the Tigers squad because of injury.
Freddie Ladapo At Selhurst Park, the Nigerian remained on the bench as his club Crystal Palace lost 1-0 to West Brom. If he had featured, it would have been his competitive debut for the last-season FA Cup finalist.
Ross Barkley The England international of Nigeria origin scored a fantastic free-kick after five minutes as Everton were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur who had Dele Alli and England U-19 international Joshua Onomah in their ranks. While Ross Barkley and Dele Alli were both on the pitch for the entire game, Josh was a non-playing substitute for the Lilywhites right there at Goodison Park.
Odion Ighalo The Super Eagles striker was on the pitch for 81 minutes at St. Mary’s Stadium when his club Watford shared the spoils with Southampton by playing 1-1. He was replaced by Scotland international of Nigeria descent Ikechi Anya. Former Flying Eagles striker and record signing Isaac Success was not in the Hornets squad, having failed a late fitness test.
Kelechi Iheanacho started on the bench before coming on for Gael Clichy in the 80th minute as his club Manchester City under new manager Pep Guardiola got a 2-1 win against Sunderland courtesy of a late own-goal. The Citizens Elite Squad captain Tosin Adarabioyo was not included in the 18-man squad for the game.
Jordon Ibe The club record signing from Liverpool did start the game for Bournemouth but could do little or less to prevent his club 3-1 loss at home to Manchester United led Jose Mourinho. He did played for 68 minutes before he was replaced by Benik Afobe.
Alex Iwobi His breakout last season to the Arsenal squad continues as he was named in the starting XI for the Gunners game against Liverpool. He did gave an assist for Arsenal first goal of the game before he was replaced in the 59th minute by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain due to a suspected injury. His team did however went on to lose 4-3 to the Reds right there at the Emirates stadium. His compatriot Chuba Akpom was only good enough to be named on the substitute bench by coach Arsène Wenger despite his good form during the pre-season games.
Liverpool teenagers Seyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria were not part of the travelling party to the Emirates.
Victor Moses After his impressive performance during the pre-season, his first contribution for the Antonio Conte's side was coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Eden Hazard in a match Chelsea won late in the game by defeating West Ham United 2-1 in Stamford Bridge. Temitayo Aina did not take part in the game as he was left on the bench for the entire duration. Expectedly, Team Nigeria captain to the Olympics John Obi Mikel is not part of the squad due to his involvement in the Rio games.
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The former CSKA star worked tirelessly and provided chances for star forward Jamie Vardy to break the deadlock of which he was unable to convert. He played the entire duration of the game but could not prevent the Foxes becoming the first club during the Premier League era to lose its opening fixture as a defending champion. While for Hull City who were the victorious side, they were made to do it without Moses Odubajo who could not make the Tigers squad because of injury.
Freddie Ladapo At Selhurst Park, the Nigerian remained on the bench as his club Crystal Palace lost 1-0 to West Brom. If he had featured, it would have been his competitive debut for the last-season FA Cup finalist.
Ross Barkley The England international of Nigeria origin scored a fantastic free-kick after five minutes as Everton were held to a 1-1 draw by Tottenham Hotspur who had Dele Alli and England U-19 international Joshua Onomah in their ranks. While Ross Barkley and Dele Alli were both on the pitch for the entire game, Josh was a non-playing substitute for the Lilywhites right there at Goodison Park.
Odion Ighalo The Super Eagles striker was on the pitch for 81 minutes at St. Mary’s Stadium when his club Watford shared the spoils with Southampton by playing 1-1. He was replaced by Scotland international of Nigeria descent Ikechi Anya. Former Flying Eagles striker and record signing Isaac Success was not in the Hornets squad, having failed a late fitness test.
Kelechi Iheanacho started on the bench before coming on for Gael Clichy in the 80th minute as his club Manchester City under new manager Pep Guardiola got a 2-1 win against Sunderland courtesy of a late own-goal. The Citizens Elite Squad captain Tosin Adarabioyo was not included in the 18-man squad for the game.
Jordon Ibe The club record signing from Liverpool did start the game for Bournemouth but could do little or less to prevent his club 3-1 loss at home to Manchester United led Jose Mourinho. He did played for 68 minutes before he was replaced by Benik Afobe.
Alex Iwobi His breakout last season to the Arsenal squad continues as he was named in the starting XI for the Gunners game against Liverpool. He did gave an assist for Arsenal first goal of the game before he was replaced in the 59th minute by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain due to a suspected injury. His team did however went on to lose 4-3 to the Reds right there at the Emirates stadium. His compatriot Chuba Akpom was only good enough to be named on the substitute bench by coach Arsène Wenger despite his good form during the pre-season games.
Liverpool teenagers Seyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria were not part of the travelling party to the Emirates.
Victor Moses After his impressive performance during the pre-season, his first contribution for the Antonio Conte's side was coming on as an 85th-minute substitute for Eden Hazard in a match Chelsea won late in the game by defeating West Ham United 2-1 in Stamford Bridge. Temitayo Aina did not take part in the game as he was left on the bench for the entire duration. Expectedly, Team Nigeria captain to the Olympics John Obi Mikel is not part of the squad due to his involvement in the Rio games.
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