October 01, (THEWILL) –Â It was a difficult day of matches for Super Eagles’ players across Europe. Apart from a personal best record for Victor Osimhen with Napoli (in a losing effort) and a scoring victory for Taiwo Awoniyi with Union Berlin, Nigerian internationals who featured in both the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Conference League did not have much to celebrate.
At home at the Olympiastadia Berlin Alte Foersterei, Union Berlin defeated Maccabi Haifa 3-0 in the Europa Conference League, with Taiwo Awoniyi scoring the game’s last goal off the bench. The former Liverpool star had recently struggled in front of goal, failing to score in each of his previous four appearances.
However, on Thursday, he came off the bench in the 73rd minute to score and wrap up the game.
Over at the Luminus Arena in Genk, it was not a profitable day in the office for Paul Onuachu. In the 76th minute, Ike Ugbo came on to replace the Super Eagles attacker, but ten-man Genk were unable to overcome Dinamo Zagreb, losing 3-0 at home.
Luka Ivanusec’s early goal, as well as a pair of penalties from Bruno Petkovic, took the wind out of the Belgians’ sails, who had fullback Daniel Munoz sent off in the 65th minute.
Victor Osimhen scored his seventh league goal in all competitions for Napoli, but Napoli lost the game. However, his loss marked victory for Victor Moses, who played an integral part in his team’s victory.
With the score at 3-1 in Spartak’s favour and both teams down to 10 men, Osimhen, was introduced as a substitute and tapped home from a Giovanni Di Lorenzo low cross to make it 3-2 to set up a tense conclusion.
- Meanwhile, Olympiacos won 3-0 at Fenerbahce on matchday two of the Europa League, with Nigerian international Henry Onyekuru playing 64 minutes. The Greek champions now lead their group with six points after a 2-1 home win against Antwerp on the first day.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
