The 2014 Europa League kicked off around Europe midweek with the first qualifying rounds for teams in the lower leagues and those based on Uefa’s ratings.
A lot of Nigerian players have already started their 2014 campaign with matches in their domestic leagues and in Europe.
Supersport.com takes a look at selected highlights of Nigerian players performances in the Europa League qualifying rounds.
Uefa Europa League Qualifiers
Nigerian youth international, Moses Simon, was the star of the night as the 18 year old who celebrated his birthday this week, scored a hat-trick for his Slovakian side, AS Trencin, in the 4-0 demolition of Serbian side, Vojvodina.
Simon was on song in the 20th, 53rd and 60th minute to help his team to a healthy win. That was his fourth goal in two games for Trencin in a week.
Faith Obilor played from the start for Finnish side, RoPs, in their 1-1 home draw with Greek side Asteras Tripolis. His compatriot Emenike Mbachu came on as a late sub as RoPs were held at home.
Derick Chuka Ogbu made the starting line-up for his Romanian club CFR Cluj, in their goalless home draw with Jagodina of Serbia.
Chigozie Udoji, who holds a Bulgarian passport, played from the start for his Belarussian club, Dinamo Minsk as they beat Mypa 47 of Finland 3-0.
Ugonna Anyora and Emmanuel Ekpo both started for Norwegian side, FK Haugesund, in their 1-0 away win at FK Sarajevo
Super Eagles second-choice goalkeeper, Austin Ejide, was in goal for his Israeli side, Hapoel Beer Sheva. He conceded two goals as they lost 2-1 away at RNK Split of Croatia.
Toto Tamuz Temile, who is the son of former international, Clement Temile, but has played for Israel, scored Petrolul Ploiesti of Romania’s second goal in their 2-0 home win over Flamuetari Vlore of Albania.
Kennedy Igboananike was an 87th minute substitute for his Swedish outfit, AIK Stockholm, as they lost 1-0 away at Irish side, Linfield.
Daniel Chima made Molde’s starting line-up as they battered Nova Gorica of Slovenia 4-1 at home.
SUPERSPORT
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