Odion Ighalo scored first goal of the season, also Kelechi is staking claim for a starting berth by scoring the winner in the derby. Here is the performance round-up of Nigerian stars over the weekend.
Kelechi Iheneacho was fantastic on his first start in the league this season. The 19yr-old goal was the deciding factor as his Manchester City team went to Old Trafford and conquered the Jose Mourinho's Manchester United team by winning 2-1. He also gave the assist for the first goal by flicking an header to set-up Kevin de Bruyne to put the ball inside the net. The Super Eagles striker goal made him the youngest scorer for the citizens in the Manchester derby. He was substituted in the 54th minute for Brazilian midfielder Fernando as the coach, Pep Guardiola try to bring more stability to the team in other to protect their slim lead. Defender Tosin Adarabioyo was not named as member of the squad to the Old Trafford victory.
Alex Iwobi was back in the Arsenal team after his injury lay-off, but he was made to wait until the 75th minute before coming on to replace Theo Walcott. The Gunners had to wait for a last-minute penalty converted by Santi Carzola to win 2-1 right there at the Emirates stadium. The 20yr-old Super Eagles forward did made his presence felt with some good moves which was also instrumental in putting the Southampton defense on pressure before conceding the penalty. His teammate Chuba Akpom was not listed as he continues to do well for the U-21 team where he scored a brace in their game against Derby County in the Premier League 2.
Odion Ighalo started the game for Watford in their great comeback against West Ham United at the London Stadium. The former Granada striker started the comeback with a nice goal after his team had gone 2 goals down through Michail Antonio brace, and also contributed an assist for the team 4th goal which was scored by Jose Holebas. He was however replace by former Flying Eagles striker Isaac Success in the 69th minute of the game. Success is still looking for his 1st goal since making a record move from Granada, he has made just 2 substitute appearances due to injury. Also coming on as a substitute in the game is Nigerian-Italian Stefano Chuka Okaka, who came on in the 79th minute for the team's captain Troy Deeney. It is the debut for the former AS Roma youngster for the Hornets since making a last-day move from Anderlecht, and he was yellow-carded in the 86th minute to commmend him for his troubles.
Jordon Ibe, the England forward who rebuffed Nigeria invitation was on for 63 minutes in Bournemouth 1-0 win over Peter Osaze former club West Brom. The record-signing has played in all the games so far this season, but he is without a goal or an assist. Replacing him on the pitch was Arsenal loanee Jack Wilshere.
Bamidele Alli was on for the entire duration in Tottenham 4-0 away win at Stoke City. The Nigerian-born England midfielder scored his team 3rd goal of the game and was instrumental in all the right moves made by the Lilywhites. The goal is his first of the season and more is expected of him by coach Mauricio Pochettino as the season progresses. His young compatriot Joshua Onomah had no part in the game as he was left out of the substitute bench.
Ahmed Musa made a substitute appearance for the 3rd game in a row as champion Leicester City lost 4-1 to Liverpool. The assistant Super Eagles captain came on in the 46th minute for Shinji Okazaki, but was unable to rescue his team who were 2-1 down at half-time to stage a comeback. Musa just like the rest of his teammates were below par in the game. For the Reds, both Seyi Ojo and Ovie Ejaria were not part of the squad. While the former is injured, the latter has been drafted back into the U-21 squad for the season. Also,centre-back Portuguese-Nigerian Tiago Abiola Ilori was also not part of the team.
Victor Moses came on in the 77th minute for Willian in Chelsea's 2-2 comeback draw against Swansea. The Super Eagles returnee had one shot which he blazed over the bar during his few minutes on the pitch. He had scored a goal in his last appearance for the Blues before the international break. Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel was not listed for the game as it was also with young defender Ola Aina who is waiting for his 1st game of the season since being drafted into the first-team by coach Antonio Conte.
Ross Barkley, the Everton midfielder of Nigeria descent started the game at Stadium of Light before he was replaced in the 46th minute by Gerard Deulofeu while the game was still stalemate. The Toffees later went on to win the game 3-0, courtesy of Romelu Lukaku's 11-minute hat-trick. On the opposing side, former Super Eagles forward Victor Anichebe will still have to wait for his debut for Sunderland as he was not named in the matchday squad by coach David Moyes.
No comments:
Post a Comment