The top leagues across the whole Continent are slowly stirring from hibernation and as always, Nigerians are making their presence felt.
In France, the usual suspects, Vincent Enyeama and Elderson Echiejile continued to lay down the marker at Lille OSC and AS Monaco respectively, as top clubs that will also be competing in the Uefa Champions League this season.
In Norway’s Eliteserien, Dominic Chatto was among the goals as he netted the winner for Bodø / Glimt in the 1-0 success over Sogndal.
There are some unheralded names propping up too. Relatively unknown Abiodun Dauda has joined the Dutch side, SVB Vitesse, after a successful stint in Serbia and will be hoping for a successful 2014/15 season.
It was a weekend to remember and supersport.com now rounds up the best of the action from a Nigerian perspective.
Enyeama
Enyeama did not miss a single Ligue 1 game last season and it was therefore no surprise to see him take his place between the sticks for Lille OSC in the club’s opening fixture of the season against Metz.
It was however a day to forget for the Nigerian international goalkeeper as Lille failed to break the almost impregnable Metz defence despite enjoying almost 70 per cent of the possession at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Enyeama however had to be alert during short spells in the game but easily dealt with the two saves he had to make in the game.
Echiejile
Echiejile has had an outstanding pre-season with AS Monaco but he was always going to be second choice to the equally impressive Lavyin Kurzawa for the solitary spot at left back.
He was an unused substitute as AS Monaco suffered a shock 1-2 home defeat to Lorient at Stade Louis II.
The Super Eagles defender will be hoping for a better season after he played just five league games in the 2013/14.
Chima
Daniel Chima has scored six league goals this season but on Sunday, he was only good enough for a place on the Molde bench as the club drew 2-2 against Stabæk at Aker Stadion in Norway’s Eliteserien.
The decision not to start the Nigerian midfielder was a bit of a surprise as he scored last weekend in Molde’s 2-0 win at Start.
Akabueze
Chukwuma Akabueze played 68 minutes for Odd Grenland Ballklub in the 1-0 win over Strømsgodset at Skagerak Arena in Norway’s Eliteserien .
Akabueze joined Odd from Chinese club, Wuhan Zall, where he netted four goals in 27 league games for the Super League club in 2013.
The 25-year-old attacker has yet to score for Odd this season despite playing in 19 league games thus far but he will be pleased to see his side currently sitting in second place on the league standings.
Chatto
Dominic Chatto was the unlikely hero for Bodø / Glimt as he scored the winner in the 1-0 win over Sogndal at Fosshaugane Campus in Norway’s Eliteserien.
Chatto is not known for his prowess in front of goal as he has scored just once in 17 games before the encounter against Sogndal.
Edward Ofere was on for Sogndal as a second half substitute, playing the final 20 minutes.
Owello
Solomon Owello played all 90 minutes for Start in the 2-3 loss to Rosenborg at Lerkendal Stadion.
Owello is still looking for his first goal after 18 league matches this season.
Also in Norway, youngster, Freddy Friday came on in the final 15 minutes for Lillestrom in the club’s 0-0 draw at the bottom club, Sandnes Ulf.
Ogbeche
Bartholomew Ogbeche had a decent pre-season with Eredivisie club, Cambuur and looked in fine fettle for the new season.
He played almost the entire game, only substituted in stoppage time, as Cambuur drew 1-1 with Twente at Cambuur stadion.
Ogbeche, a former Nigeria international with a World Cup outing under his belt, scored two league goals for Cambuur last season.
Dauda
Abiodun Dauda is still feeling the waters in his first season in the Eredivisie in the colours of Vitesse.
Dauda joined the Dutch club from Serbia side, Crvena Zvezda where he impressed scoring 11 goals in 20 games last season.
Dauda was an unused substitute for Vitesse in their season opener, a 1-4 loss to Ajax at the Amsterdam Arena.
No comments:
Post a Comment