It was a matchday to forget for most Nigerian players in action across Europe’s top leagues, with several suffering heavy defeats while others struggled for playing time, PETER AKINBO writes

SATURDAY

ENGLAND

ALEX IWOBI, CALVIN BASSEY (FULHAM)

The Nigerian duo had a day to forget as Fulham suffered a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Crystal Palace. Iwobi, who started on the wing, struggled to make an impact before being substituted in the 80th minute for Rodrigo Muniz.

Bassey played the full 90 minutes in defence but couldn’t prevent the Cottagers from failing to register a single shot on target for the first time since May 2021.

JOE ARIBO, PAUL ONUACHU (SOUTHAMPTON)

Aribo was deployed in an unfamiliar defensive role as Southampton’s Premier League struggles continued with a 4-0 thrashing by Brighton. The midfielder played the full match while Onuachu came on for the final 18 minutes, replacing Cameron Archer.

The defeat leaves Saints rooted to the bottom, eight points behind Leicester and 13 from safety with just 12 games remaining.

SEMI AJAYI (WEST BROM)

Ajayi’s afternoon was cut short when he was forced off with an injury in the 41st minute, replaced by Mason Holgate in West Brom’s 2-0 victory over Oxford United. Despite his early departure, the Baggies secured the win through Alex Mowatt’s early strike and John Swift’s stoppage-time goal to climb to fifth in the Championship.

EMMANUEL DENNIS (BLACKBURN)

Dennis was introduced as a 56th-minute substitute but couldn’t prevent Blackburn from falling to a 3-0 defeat at Swansea City. The loss came just five days after manager Luke Williams’ sacking following a run of eight defeats in 10 games.

SPAIN




https://punchng.com/nigerian-stars-endure-tough-games-in-europe/