More Nigerian players were in action over the weekend. How did they get on?
The Back
William Troost Ekong - Bursaspor (rock solid ): The defender continues to churn out decent displays in the heart of his team's defence and this match was no exception. He was focused on the task at hand throughout as he carried out his defensive duties with ruthless efficiency. The match (against Yeni Malatyaspor) ended 0:0.
Efe Ambrose - Hibernian (Happy at Hibbs): There are reports on social media that some Celtic fans have forgiven Efe for defensive lapses whilst at the club and wish he was still there as their defence has struggled of late. Well, Mr Ambrose is happy where he is as he led his defence to yet another clean sheet against Aberdeen; they won 2:0. Ambrose appears out-of-favour in the Super Eagles set up at the moment.
Shehu Abdullahi - Bursaspor (impact sub?): Shehu had to be contented with a slot on the bench after starting the last 2 league matches in the defensive midfield position; is there any meaning to be read to this?
In any event, he was introduced in 83 minutes to stabilize the midfield as his team edged closer to a draw (against Yeni Malatyaspor) and perhaps instigate a late goal scoring effort. The match ended 0:0
The Middle
Milel Agu - Bursaspor (decent outing): The defensive midfielder, whose world cup spot appeared to be in jeopardy following recent inactivity, was restored to the starting line-up as a the main holding defensive midfielder against Yeni Malatyaspor. He lasted 90 minutes and acquainted himself with a sturdy display; 0:0 it ended.
Ogenyi Onazi - Trabzonspor (welcome back!): After weeks of inactivity, Onazi returned and lasted 67
minutes in this weekend's fixture against Istanbul Basaksehir; only for Emmanuel Adebayor to spoil the fun with a 35th minute goal to the visitors. Onazi and his teammates never recovered as the match ended 0:1.
Chidebere Nwakali - Aberdeen (keeps improving): The ex-u17 international continues to develop as a midfielder in his team's 2:0 loss to Hibbs over the weekend. He was withdrawn in 65 minutes shortly after earning a yellow card.
Raheem Lawal - Osmalispor (make way please): Having not made the desired impact in the heart of the midfield, Raheem was replaced in 46 minutes with his side trailing 1:0 to Sivasspor. They eventually lost 3:2.
The Front
Isaac Success - Malaga (missing in action): The striker was not listed in his team's 2:1 loss to Sevilla in Spain. There are 3 months for him to prove his fitness leading to the world cup.
Victor Osimhen - Wolfsburg (Mr Cameo!): Another late introduction characterised Victor's 84th minute entry against Bayern Munich in his team's 2:1 loss; hardly enough time to make any meaningful impact but at least he tasted some action.
Aminu Umar - Osmanlispor (full of running): The 22 year old 4 capped Super Eagles winger huffed and puffed but could neither find the goal nor assist to prevent a 3:2 loss Sivasspor. He did get booked in 50 minutes.
Samuel Kalu - Gent (bright prospect): A future Super Eagles star, in the eyes of many, Samuel was on from start to finish as his side fought out a hard earned 2:2 draw against Mechelen. The 20 year old executed some dribbling moves and gave passes to try to generate goal scoring opportunities. He was booked in 90 minutes.
Meanwhile, his teammate, Super Eagles dazzling winger Moses Simon, is still out injured.