Today we are focused on bringing you the latest on the performances of Nigerians in Europe, with the spotlight on the French Ligue Un in France and the Jupiler League in Belgium.
1. Belgium
In Belgium, Genk faced Club Brugge in the Jupiler League, the home side have not lost a game this season, having won 1 and drawn 1 while last season’s Champions, Club Brugge are coming off the back of a shocking 1-0 loss to new comers K. Beerchots V.A.
The two side had four Nigerians on parade, Paul Onuachu and Dessers the strikers for Genk while Emmanuel Dennis and David Okereke were the attacking wingers for Club Brugge. The Away side took the lead through Captain Vans Hanaken from an assist provided by Emmanuel Dennis.
However, in the 47th minute of the clash the home side were handed an opportunity to draw the game level but Nigeria hopeful, Cyriel Dessers could not convert and add to his 1 goal tally for the season.
The game remained 1 – 0 in favour of the Champions until the 61st minute when Genk were awarded another penalty and this time it was Theo Bongonda who scored to draw the host level.
The away side finally got the winner through 18 year old Yousouph Badji who scored with 7 minutes remaining of regulation time.
Cyriel Dessers was the joint top scorer in the Eredivisie last season and could be an early contestant for the golden shoe in the Jupiler League this season once he is fully settled.
After the game, according to Score Nigeria a frustrated Cyriel Dessers told the press that he was to blame for his sides loss to Club Brugge.
2. France
Onyekuru on Parade for Monaco against Metz
Elsewhere in France, Monaco were in action in the French Ligue Un against Metz away from home. Onyekuru was on parade for Monaco from the start and was later substituted out for Jean-Eudes Aholou in the 59th minute. Onyekuru was on the pitch when Monaco scored the only goal of the clash through Benoit Badiashile.
The start marked marked Onyekuru’s second start under new Manager Niko Kovac who is aiming to return the club to it’s glory days. Monaco have now earned 4 points from 2 games. It shouldn’t be forgotten that the Former Everton man had a terrible one year since joining Monaco and could pick up his career once again as Niko Kovac have faith in the youngster.
Bordeaux’s Maja Scores as Kalu was a late substitute
Nigeria International, Josh Maja scored his first goal of the season as Bordeaux defeated Angers 2-0, the away side took the lead through Maja after former Arsenal captain Koscielny directed a corner towards the Nigerian striker to swerve into the net with 25 minutes played. Bordeaux later doubled their lead after brilliant work from Ui Jo Hwang to set up Toma Basiç. Maja was later substituted out for Jimmy Briand in the 66th minute.
Samuel Kalu was a late substitute for Ui Jo Hwang as Bordeaux remained defensively resolute to pick up a vital win on the road.
Moses Simon had a quite night as 9 – man Nantes picked up vital win against Nimes
Nantes were at home when they faced a stubborn Olympic Nimes who had won their last match by a big score margin of 4-0. Confidence was high in the away team camp but it was Nantes who took the lead through Andrei Girotto in the 11th minute. Moses who remained a peripheral figure throughout the clash only managed to provide one successful cross all game and failed to complete a single dribble down the left flank.
Imran Louza dobled the home sides lead but moments later in the second half, he was sent off after the card was changed by VAR. Nimes drew a goal back through Zinedine Ferhat but Nantes held on despite Fabio getting sent off for the home side for a second yellow card.
Question: Who was the most impressive of these players on parade today and who needs to improve?
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