It was a fair weekend for the Super Eagles players across the major leagues in Europe and other leagues around the world. The biggest winner being Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, who scored his first goal for Leganes. Also, Eagles striker, Osimhmen was his usual self when he netted the winner for Lille to further put them in their quest to remain in Europe for yet another season coming.
MIKE ADEYEMI, in yet another interesting edition of our Monday Sport tonic, traverse the length and breadth of the footballing world to bring you the performances of Nigerian imports. Enjoy it.
ENGLAND
PREMIERSHIP
Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City v Chelsea): In the early kick-off at the King Power stadium, Leicester City and Chelsea settled for a 2-2 draw, following a flurry of second-half goals.
Antonio Rudiger grabbed a pair of headed goals for the Blues but Harvey Barnes and Ben Chilwell responded for the hosts.
Wilfred Ndidi was not included in the Foxes team sheet for the game while Kelechi Iheanacho was introduced for Jamie Vardy in the 80th minute.
Philip Billing, Dominic Solanke and Jordon Ibe (Bournemouth vs Aston Villa): At the Vitality stadium, Bournemouth ran out 2-1 winners over Aston Villa despite losing Jefferson Lerma to a red card. Philip Billing opened the scoring when he converted from close range after 37mins, Nathan Ake doubled the lead for the Cherries just before halftime while Mbwana Samata struck a consolatory effort for Villa.
While Billing lasted the entire duration of the game, Dominic Solanke was a non-playing substitute while Jordon Ibe remains out of favour for Bournemouth.
Adam Idah (Newcastle United v Norwich City): Adam Idah was not included in the Canaries traveling squad to Tyneside, when Newcastle and Norwich drew blanks in a drab affair.
Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and Tom Dele-Bashiru (Watford vs Everton): This match announced the return from injury of Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, when ten-man Everton mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-2 at the Vicarage Road, after going down 2-0 in the opening stages.
Adam Masina and Roberto Pereyra gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead but a brace from Yerry Mina restored parity for Everton just before the break. Theo Walcott’s stoppage time effort thus completed a thrilling turnaround.
Iwobi, played for 65 minutes before making way for Moise Kean. His compatriot, Isaac Success played his first game for Watford in nearly a month when he replaced Pereyra in the 75th minute. His teammate, Tom Dele-Bashiru was not in the match day squad.
Burnley vs Arsenal: Ian Wright comments on substitution of Saka
Bukayo Saka was replaced at half-time in the ongoing game between Burnley and Arsenal, making way for Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira after suffering an injury in the first half.
As a result of the injury-enforced substitution by manager Mikel Arteta, Xhaka dropped to the left-back position and Torreira slotted into Xhaka’s midfield role.
Saka has been deployed at left-back since mid-December because of the injuries suffered by Sead Kolašinac and Kieran Tierney.
Commenting on the half-time change, Gunners legend Ian Wright, who appeared as a pundit for the Premier League broadcaster said : “It’s unfortunate for Saka because obviously he gives us that balance on the left side but I do believe that Torreira does gives us a little bit more when controlling the midfield the way he releases the ball.
“Xhaka will probably go out to the left and Torreira will come in the midfield. Hopefully we will be able to retain the ball”.
Saka has featured in nine of the last ten matches played by Arsenal in all competitions, only failing to get game time against Crystal Palace on January 11.
Championship:
Semi Ajayi (West Brom vs Luton): Semi Ajayi was on target as West Bromwich Albion defeated basement boys Luton Town 2-0 in their Sky Bet Championship clash at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
West Brom took the lead in the 14th minute courtesy of a Donervon Daniels’ own goal.
The hosts added the second goal from Ajayi’s emphatic header 20 minutes from time.
Ajayi, who missed Tuesday’s 2-1 away defeat to Cardiff City as a result of suspension has now scored five goals in 28 league appearances for the Baggies this season.
Slaves Bilic’s men also moved to top spot in the table following the win.
The Baggies next league game is an away clash against Millwall.
…targets more goals
Semi Ajayi hopes to score more goals for West Bromwich Albion this season after netting the Baggies second in Saturday’s 2-0 home win against Luton Town.
Ajayi put the game beyond the visitors with an empathic header 20 minutes from time.
Ajayi scored seven league goals in 46 appearances for Rotherham United in the championships in the 2018/19 league season and with five goals scored already this season, the defender believes he can surpass the last season’s feat.
“It would be nice to beat last season’s tally because that’s the most I’ve ever got. I’m on target at the moment, so hopefully I can keep scoring goals that help the team pick up three points every week. That would be nice,” Ajayi said after the game.
“Before a game my main focus is a clean sheet but when I get chance to go forward of course I’m thinking about it. Most of the time throughout the 90 minutes my sole focus is on defending.”
The win sees The Baggies end a seven-game winless streak, also claiming their first home clean sheet of the campaign.
And Semi says it’s a win that will bring belief to the Albion camp going into the final 16 Sky Bet Championship fixtures.
“Before the game all we were looking for was to get back to winning ways,” he said. “So to come away with a clean sheet and a goal, everyone in that dressing room is very pleased with their day’s work.
“With the run we’ve been on it was important to get that first win so to have that now will hopefully give the lads some confidence to take into the rest of our fixtures now.”
Bright Osayi-Samuel and Eberechi Eze (QPR v Bristol City): Both prospective Eagles were on the losing side, despite completing the distance for Queens Park Rangers in one of the Championship matches at the weekend. Bristol City piped them 1-0. The other Nigerian import in the team was an 88mins substitute in the encounter, after taking the place of Dominic Ball.
Leon Balogun (Leeds v Wigan): The forgotten Eagles Centre back was not good enough for selection in his new club when they won 1-0 away to Leeds united at the weekend. Balogun is yet to taste action in the ongoing season.
SPAIN
Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem (Leganes vs Real Sociedad): Kenneth Omeruo scored his first ever goal for Leganes who edged out Real Sociedad 2-1 in their LaLiga clash at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Sunday afternoon.
Omeruo was handed his 15th league appearance this season, pairing his compatriot Chidozie Awaziem at the heart of Leganes’ defence.
Alexander Isak put Real Sociedad ahead in the 20th minute, while Omeruo equalised for the hosts four minutes after the break after he was set up by Martin Braithwaite.
Oscar then grabbed the match-winning goal at the death to help Javier Aguirre’s men clinch their fourth win of the season in front of their own fans.
Despite the victory, Leganes remain in the bottom three of the league table with 18 points from 22 games.
They will hope to brighten their chances of avoiding relegation at the end of the season with a victory against Levante on February 8.
Ramon Azeez (Granada v Espanyol): Azeez, the Super Eagles midfielder was 61mins substitute when his side dispatched Espanyol by 2-1 at the weekend. He however failed to add to his goal tally this season.
Real Betis confirm signing of World Cup winner
Through a statement on their official website, La Liga side Real Betis have announced that Lukman Zakari was added to their roster before the close of the January transfer window.
The 2015 U17 World Cup-winning defender has joined the Andalusian outfit on loan with an option to buy from Latvian club FS Metta.
Zakari had penned a deal with Real Betis since August 2019 but the transfer was held up for several months due to paperwork.
He was an ever-present in the Golden Eaglets squad that won the World Cup five years ago, going the distance in all their seven matches during the tournament in Chile and helping the team keep four clean sheets.
Finidi George, Nosa Igiebor and Victor Ikpeba previously played for the first team of Real Betis, and Zakari will be hoping to follow in their footsteps.
The 21-year-old Zakari is a product of Unity Football Club Kaduna.
FRANCE
Victor Osimhen (Lille’s vs Strasbourg): Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was the hero for Lille as he netted a late goal to secure a 2-1 comeback win at Strasbourg, in the French Ligue 1 in Strasbourg.
Osimhen scored with 10 minutes remaining from the penalty spot, to help Lille end a run of three straight defeats.
Adrien Thomasson had given Strasbourg the lead in the 12th minute before Gabriel Magalhaes equalised for Lille on 65 minutes.
Osimhen now has 11 goals in 21 league outings for Lille so far this season.
Lille are fourth on 34 points and occupy Europa League qualification spot.
Simon nominated for Nantes January POTM Award
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has been nominated for Nantes January Player of The Month award.
Nantes announced the four-man nominees on their official website on Saturday.
Simon was impressive for Nantes last month as he scored two goals and provided three assists in the five games he played in.
The other three players nominated for the award are Dennis Appiah, Louza Imran and Mehdi Abeid.
Fans of Nantes are expected to cast their votes to decide who emerges the club’s January Player of The Month.
Simon had scored seven goals provided eight assists in 24 appearances in all competitions this season.
He was however not able to prevent his club from defeat despite netting a goal in their loss to Rennes on Friday. The match ended 3-2 away from home.
GERMANY
Anthony Ujah and Manuel Akanji (Borrusia Dortmund v FC Union Berlin): The forgotten Super Eagles striker was on the losing side when his side visited Dortmund at the weekend losing scandalously by five un-replied goals. Ujah was an unused substitute in the match. Meanwhile, another player of Nigerian descent, Manuel Akanji, was on the books of Dortmund and lasted the distance for the home team.
Karim Onisiwo and Joshua Zirkee (Mainz05 vs Bayern Munich): Karim Onisiwo was a 72mins substitute in his side’s home loss to the Bundesliga defending champions. On the winning side was a prospective Eagles, Nigerian-Dutch born, Joshua Zirkee, who was an unused substitute.
Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig v Monhengladbach): Lookman, who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria, was not good enough for selection as he watched proceeding from the bench for duration of his side’s 2-2 home draw on Saturday.
Kingsley Ehizibue (FC Koln v Freiburg): Kingsley, the younger right back lasted the distance and capped a wonderful with a superb goal on the dot of 90mins to score his side’s third goal. The match later ended 4-0 against the visitor.
Jamilu Collins (Paderborn 07 v Wolfsburg): Collins, the Super Eagles sensational left back, was not available for selection when his side lost …..
PORTUGAL
Emmanuel Dennis and David Okereke (Club Brugge v Royal Antwerp): Dennis, the Eagles striker could not add to his team’s 1-0 victory over the visitor before he was sub-off at the break, he was however cautioned in the 27mins of play. His compatriot, David Okekere did not make the match squad due to injury.
BELGIUM
Paul Onuachu and Stephen Odey (Genk v Sporting Charleroi): Onuachu, the gangling Eagles striker, could not add to his goal tally this season when his side edged Sporting 1-0. He was cautioned in 80mins. Odey on the other hand was an unused substitute.
SCOTLAND
Joe Aribo and Sheyi Ojo (Rangers v Aberdeen): Aribo, the Eagles mercurial midfielder could not help his team triumphed over the visitor as they shared the spoils, despite lasting the entire duration of the encounter. His compatriot, Sheyi, was a 66mins substitute.
Uche Ikpeazu (St Johnstone v Hearts): The prospective Eagles striker, came on in the 60mins of the game but could not help his team overcome their host as the match ended 3-3 apiece.
SAUDI ARABIA
John Ogu (AlAdalh v Al Ahli): Ogu, again completed the distance in his team’s 1-1 draw at home in yet another solid performance.
Chrisantus Macauley joins Saudi club Hetten FC
Former Golden Eaglets forward Chrisantus Macauley has linked up with Saudi Arabian second tier club Hetten FC.
Chrisantus, 29, who finished as top-scorer at the 2007 Fifa Under-17 World Cup, was snapped up by the struggling side on a deal until the end of the season.
His seven goals helped Nigeria to a third global success and also earned him the Silver Ball for second-best player at the biennial tournament.
German club Hamburg saw off competition from a host of top European clubs – including English clubs Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool, Spanish giants Real Madrid, French side Lyon and Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam – to sign him back in November 2007.
Despite impressing for Hamburg’s youth side, Chrisantus failed to make a competitive appearance for the six-time German champions.
He was likened to African football legend Rashidi Yekini, but he never quite delivered on his promise across the globe.
TURKEY
Mikel Obi (Trabzonspor v Fenerbahce): The former Eagles captain, Mikel Obi was on from start to finish and solid as ever when his club defeated Fenerbahce in an entertaining encounter. The match ended 2-1 in favour of the homers.
Mike’s Nigerian teammate Anthony Nwakaeme was not in Trabzonspor’s squad for the game.
It was Mike’s 14th league appearance this season for Trabzonspor.
Max Kruse gave Fenerbahce the perfect start when he scored one minute into the game.
Alexander Sorloth equalised for Trabzonspor in the 15th minute before Filip Novak got the winner on 32 minutes.
Trabzonspor now occupy third spot on 38 points and are three points behind leaders Sivasspor.
Aminu Umar (Rizespor v Besiktas): Umar, was on the losing side when his team hosted Besiktas at the weekend. He could not help to avert the 1-2 loss at home to the Turkish champions. He however lasted 90mins of play.
SWEDEN
Nwakali Sacked Kalmar FF for returning late from Xmas
Former Nigerian youth international Chidiebere Nwakali’s contract at Swedish club Kalmar FF has been terminated as a result of the midfielder returning late from Christmas break.
His one year stay is over with the club announcing that they have terminated the contract of the 23-year-old who was once on the books of Premier League giants, Manchester City.
Nwakali was sacked for missing pre-season training following a spat with the club over the payment of his flight ticket to return to the club after visiting Nigeria for the Xmas break.
He returned to Sweden last week but Kalmar announced via their sporting director, Jurgen Petersson that they have decided to terminate the remainder of the five-year deal he signed last summer.
”We follow the usual working days and when you do not follow the work, we did what we should do and won’t comment any further. Through his behaviour, he violated parts of his contract which is not okay,” Petterson stated.
ENGLAND
PREMIERSHIP
Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City v Chelsea): In the early kick-off at the King Power stadium, Leicester City and Chelsea settled for a 2-2 draw, following a flurry of second-half goals.
Antonio Rudiger grabbed a pair of headed goals for the Blues but Harvey Barnes and Ben Chilwell responded for the hosts.
Wilfred Ndidi was not included in the Foxes team sheet for the game while Kelechi Iheanacho was introduced for Jamie Vardy in the 80th minute.
Philip Billing, Dominic Solanke and Jordon Ibe (Bournemouth vs Aston Villa): At the Vitality stadium, Bournemouth ran out 2-1 winners over Aston Villa despite losing Jefferson Lerma to a red card. Philip Billing opened the scoring when he converted from close range after 37mins, Nathan Ake doubled the lead for the Cherries just before halftime while Mbwana Samata struck a consolatory effort for Villa.
While Billing lasted the entire duration of the game, Dominic Solanke was a non-playing substitute while Jordon Ibe remains out of favour for Bournemouth.
Adam Idah (Newcastle United v Norwich City): Adam Idah was not included in the Canaries traveling squad to Tyneside, when Newcastle and Norwich drew blanks in a drab affair.
Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and Tom Dele-Bashiru (Watford vs Everton): This match announced the return from injury of Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, when ten-man Everton mounted an impressive comeback to win 3-2 at the Vicarage Road, after going down 2-0 in the opening stages.
Adam Masina and Roberto Pereyra gave the Hornets a 2-0 lead but a brace from Yerry Mina restored parity for Everton just before the break. Theo Walcott’s stoppage time effort thus completed a thrilling turnaround.
Iwobi, played for 65 minutes before making way for Moise Kean. His compatriot, Isaac Success played his first game for Watford in nearly a month when he replaced Pereyra in the 75th minute. His teammate, Tom Dele-Bashiru was not in the match day squad.
Burnley vs Arsenal: Ian Wright comments on substitution of Saka
Bukayo Saka was replaced at half-time in the ongoing game between Burnley and Arsenal, making way for Uruguay midfielder Lucas Torreira after suffering an injury in the first half.
As a result of the injury-enforced substitution by manager Mikel Arteta, Xhaka dropped to the left-back position and Torreira slotted into Xhaka’s midfield role.
Saka has been deployed at left-back since mid-December because of the injuries suffered by Sead Kolašinac and Kieran Tierney.
Commenting on the half-time change, Gunners legend Ian Wright, who appeared as a pundit for the Premier League broadcaster said : “It’s unfortunate for Saka because obviously he gives us that balance on the left side but I do believe that Torreira does gives us a little bit more when controlling the midfield the way he releases the ball.
“Xhaka will probably go out to the left and Torreira will come in the midfield. Hopefully we will be able to retain the ball”.
Saka has featured in nine of the last ten matches played by Arsenal in all competitions, only failing to get game time against Crystal Palace on January 11.
Championship:
Semi Ajayi (West Brom vs Luton): Semi Ajayi was on target as West Bromwich Albion defeated basement boys Luton Town 2-0 in their Sky Bet Championship clash at The Hawthorns on Saturday.
West Brom took the lead in the 14th minute courtesy of a Donervon Daniels’ own goal.
The hosts added the second goal from Ajayi’s emphatic header 20 minutes from time.
Ajayi, who missed Tuesday’s 2-1 away defeat to Cardiff City as a result of suspension has now scored five goals in 28 league appearances for the Baggies this season.
Slaves Bilic’s men also moved to top spot in the table following the win.
The Baggies next league game is an away clash against Millwall.
…targets more goals
Semi Ajayi hopes to score more goals for West Bromwich Albion this season after netting the Baggies second in Saturday’s 2-0 home win against Luton Town.
Ajayi put the game beyond the visitors with an empathic header 20 minutes from time.
Ajayi scored seven league goals in 46 appearances for Rotherham United in the championships in the 2018/19 league season and with five goals scored already this season, the defender believes he can surpass the last season’s feat.
“It would be nice to beat last season’s tally because that’s the most I’ve ever got. I’m on target at the moment, so hopefully I can keep scoring goals that help the team pick up three points every week. That would be nice,” Ajayi said after the game.
“Before a game my main focus is a clean sheet but when I get chance to go forward of course I’m thinking about it. Most of the time throughout the 90 minutes my sole focus is on defending.”
The win sees The Baggies end a seven-game winless streak, also claiming their first home clean sheet of the campaign.
And Semi says it’s a win that will bring belief to the Albion camp going into the final 16 Sky Bet Championship fixtures.
“Before the game all we were looking for was to get back to winning ways,” he said. “So to come away with a clean sheet and a goal, everyone in that dressing room is very pleased with their day’s work.
“With the run we’ve been on it was important to get that first win so to have that now will hopefully give the lads some confidence to take into the rest of our fixtures now.”
Bright Osayi-Samuel and Eberechi Eze (QPR v Bristol City): Both prospective Eagles were on the losing side, despite completing the distance for Queens Park Rangers in one of the Championship matches at the weekend. Bristol City piped them 1-0. The other Nigerian import in the team was an 88mins substitute in the encounter, after taking the place of Dominic Ball.
Leon Balogun (Leeds v Wigan): The forgotten Eagles Centre back was not good enough for selection in his new club when they won 1-0 away to Leeds united at the weekend. Balogun is yet to taste action in the ongoing season.
SPAIN
Kenneth Omeruo and Chidozie Awaziem (Leganes vs Real Sociedad): Kenneth Omeruo scored his first ever goal for Leganes who edged out Real Sociedad 2-1 in their LaLiga clash at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque on Sunday afternoon.
Omeruo was handed his 15th league appearance this season, pairing his compatriot Chidozie Awaziem at the heart of Leganes’ defence.
Alexander Isak put Real Sociedad ahead in the 20th minute, while Omeruo equalised for the hosts four minutes after the break after he was set up by Martin Braithwaite.
Oscar then grabbed the match-winning goal at the death to help Javier Aguirre’s men clinch their fourth win of the season in front of their own fans.
Despite the victory, Leganes remain in the bottom three of the league table with 18 points from 22 games.
They will hope to brighten their chances of avoiding relegation at the end of the season with a victory against Levante on February 8.
Ramon Azeez (Granada v Espanyol): Azeez, the Super Eagles midfielder was 61mins substitute when his side dispatched Espanyol by 2-1 at the weekend. He however failed to add to his goal tally this season.
Real Betis confirm signing of World Cup winner
Through a statement on their official website, La Liga side Real Betis have announced that Lukman Zakari was added to their roster before the close of the January transfer window.
The 2015 U17 World Cup-winning defender has joined the Andalusian outfit on loan with an option to buy from Latvian club FS Metta.
Zakari had penned a deal with Real Betis since August 2019 but the transfer was held up for several months due to paperwork.
He was an ever-present in the Golden Eaglets squad that won the World Cup five years ago, going the distance in all their seven matches during the tournament in Chile and helping the team keep four clean sheets.
Finidi George, Nosa Igiebor and Victor Ikpeba previously played for the first team of Real Betis, and Zakari will be hoping to follow in their footsteps.
The 21-year-old Zakari is a product of Unity Football Club Kaduna.
FRANCE
Victor Osimhen (Lille’s vs Strasbourg): Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was the hero for Lille as he netted a late goal to secure a 2-1 comeback win at Strasbourg, in the French Ligue 1 in Strasbourg.
Osimhen scored with 10 minutes remaining from the penalty spot, to help Lille end a run of three straight defeats.
Adrien Thomasson had given Strasbourg the lead in the 12th minute before Gabriel Magalhaes equalised for Lille on 65 minutes.
Osimhen now has 11 goals in 21 league outings for Lille so far this season.
Lille are fourth on 34 points and occupy Europa League qualification spot.
Simon nominated for Nantes January POTM Award
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon has been nominated for Nantes January Player of The Month award.
Nantes announced the four-man nominees on their official website on Saturday.
Simon was impressive for Nantes last month as he scored two goals and provided three assists in the five games he played in.
The other three players nominated for the award are Dennis Appiah, Louza Imran and Mehdi Abeid.
Fans of Nantes are expected to cast their votes to decide who emerges the club’s January Player of The Month.
Simon had scored seven goals provided eight assists in 24 appearances in all competitions this season.
He was however not able to prevent his club from defeat despite netting a goal in their loss to Rennes on Friday. The match ended 3-2 away from home.
GERMANY
Anthony Ujah and Manuel Akanji (Borrusia Dortmund v FC Union Berlin): The forgotten Super Eagles striker was on the losing side when his side visited Dortmund at the weekend losing scandalously by five un-replied goals. Ujah was an unused substitute in the match. Meanwhile, another player of Nigerian descent, Manuel Akanji, was on the books of Dortmund and lasted the distance for the home team.
Karim Onisiwo and Joshua Zirkee (Mainz05 vs Bayern Munich): Karim Onisiwo was a 72mins substitute in his side’s home loss to the Bundesliga defending champions. On the winning side was a prospective Eagles, Nigerian-Dutch born, Joshua Zirkee, who was an unused substitute.
Ademola Lookman (RB Leipzig v Monhengladbach): Lookman, who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria, was not good enough for selection as he watched proceeding from the bench for duration of his side’s 2-2 home draw on Saturday.
Kingsley Ehizibue (FC Koln v Freiburg): Kingsley, the younger right back lasted the distance and capped a wonderful with a superb goal on the dot of 90mins to score his side’s third goal. The match later ended 4-0 against the visitor.
Jamilu Collins (Paderborn 07 v Wolfsburg): Collins, the Super Eagles sensational left back, was not available for selection when his side lost …..
PORTUGAL
Emmanuel Dennis and David Okereke (Club Brugge v Royal Antwerp): Dennis, the Eagles striker could not add to his team’s 1-0 victory over the visitor before he was sub-off at the break, he was however cautioned in the 27mins of play. His compatriot, David Okekere did not make the match squad due to injury.
BELGIUM
Paul Onuachu and Stephen Odey (Genk v Sporting Charleroi): Onuachu, the gangling Eagles striker, could not add to his goal tally this season when his side edged Sporting 1-0. He was cautioned in 80mins. Odey on the other hand was an unused substitute.
SCOTLAND
Joe Aribo and Sheyi Ojo (Rangers v Aberdeen): Aribo, the Eagles mercurial midfielder could not help his team triumphed over the visitor as they shared the spoils, despite lasting the entire duration of the encounter. His compatriot, Sheyi, was a 66mins substitute.
Uche Ikpeazu (St Johnstone v Hearts): The prospective Eagles striker, came on in the 60mins of the game but could not help his team overcome their host as the match ended 3-3 apiece.
SAUDI ARABIA
John Ogu (AlAdalh v Al Ahli): Ogu, again completed the distance in his team’s 1-1 draw at home in yet another solid performance.
Chrisantus Macauley joins Saudi club Hetten FC
Former Golden Eaglets forward Chrisantus Macauley has linked up with Saudi Arabian second tier club Hetten FC.
Chrisantus, 29, who finished as top-scorer at the 2007 Fifa Under-17 World Cup, was snapped up by the struggling side on a deal until the end of the season.
His seven goals helped Nigeria to a third global success and also earned him the Silver Ball for second-best player at the biennial tournament.
German club Hamburg saw off competition from a host of top European clubs – including English clubs Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool, Spanish giants Real Madrid, French side Lyon and Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam – to sign him back in November 2007.
Despite impressing for Hamburg’s youth side, Chrisantus failed to make a competitive appearance for the six-time German champions.
He was likened to African football legend Rashidi Yekini, but he never quite delivered on his promise across the globe.
TURKEY
Mikel Obi (Trabzonspor v Fenerbahce): The former Eagles captain, Mikel Obi was on from start to finish and solid as ever when his club defeated Fenerbahce in an entertaining encounter. The match ended 2-1 in favour of the homers.
Mike’s Nigerian teammate Anthony Nwakaeme was not in Trabzonspor’s squad for the game.
It was Mike’s 14th league appearance this season for Trabzonspor.
Max Kruse gave Fenerbahce the perfect start when he scored one minute into the game.
Alexander Sorloth equalised for Trabzonspor in the 15th minute before Filip Novak got the winner on 32 minutes.
Trabzonspor now occupy third spot on 38 points and are three points behind leaders Sivasspor.
Aminu Umar (Rizespor v Besiktas): Umar, was on the losing side when his team hosted Besiktas at the weekend. He could not help to avert the 1-2 loss at home to the Turkish champions. He however lasted 90mins of play.
SWEDEN
Nwakali sacked Kalmar FF for returning late from Xmas
Former Nigerian youth international Chidiebere Nwakali’s contract at Swedish club Kalmar FF has been terminated as a result of the midfielder returning late from Christmas break.
His one year stay is over with the club announcing that they have terminated the contract of the 23-year-old who was once on the books of Premier League giants, Manchester City.
Nwakali was sacked for missing pre-season training following a spat with the club over the payment of his flight ticket to return to the club after visiting Nigeria for the Xmas break.
He returned to Sweden last week but Kalmar announced via their sporting director, Jurgen Petersson that they have decided to terminate the remainder of the five-year deal he signed last summer.
”We follow the usual working days and when you do not follow the work, we did what we should do and won’t comment any further. Through his behaviour, he violated parts of his contract which is not okay,” Petterson stated.
