Highlights of Nigerian players who made significant impacts in major European competitions on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
SERBIA:Peter Olayinka was the star of the show in the Serbian Super Liga, netting twice to lead Red Star Belgrade to a commanding 4-1 victory away at Cukaricki. Olayinka opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a well-placed header and soon doubled the lead with a stunning curled effort that left the goalkeeper with no chance. His brace was instrumental in propelling Red Star to the top of the league table after five rounds of matches.
SPAIN:Chrisantus Uche made an impressive competitive debut for Getafe in La Liga, scoring a crucial equalizer in their 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao. After Oihan Sancet put Bilbao ahead in the 27th minute, Uche leveled the score for Getafe with a powerful header midway through the second half. Just two years ago, Uche was playing amateur football in Owerri, but his meteoric rise saw him join Getafe this summer from Ceuta, a Spanish lower-league side, for 500,000 euros.
UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE:Yusuf Otubanjo continued his heroic form for Pyunik, scoring the decisive goal in their 1-0 victory over Ordabasy, which secured the Armenian club's place in the next round of the Conference League. Pyunik advanced with a 2-0 aggregate win, with Otubanjo also finding the net in the first leg last week.
Jordan Torunarigha played a key role in KAA Gent’s progression in the competition, coming off the bench to help secure a thrilling 3-2 win (5-4 on aggregate) over Silkeborg after extra time.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE:Steven Alfred was the hero for Dinamo Minsk, scoring a vital away goal in their 2-1 defeat at Lincoln Red Imps, which ensured a 3-2 aggregate victory and booked their place in the playoff round of the UEFA Europa League. The 26-year-old, who joined Minsk on a free transfer last month, also assisted in their 2-0 first-leg win.
— sterldtopv (@sterldtopv) August 15, 2024
Despite the presence of Anthony Nwakaeme in the second half, Trabzonspor was unable to overcome Rapid Vienna, crashing out of the Europa League following a 1-0 home defeat (3-0 on aggregate). Trabzonspor continues to struggle in their pursuit of Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu from Southampton, who was their top scorer last season while on loan from England.
