Nigerian players played for their clubs, some winning, others losing
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi returned after a seven-week injury break to lead Porto to a 2-0 win over Alhassan Yusuf and Cidera Ejux Antwerp, Soccer reports .
Sanusi has been sidelined since September 19, when he was injured in Porto’s Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Nonetheless, after recovering, he found himself in the middle of the match when Porto hosted Antwerp at the Estadio Dragao. Meanwhile, Al Hassan Yusuf appeared in his Belgium team, while Ejuk started on the bench.
Sanusi was on the offensive for most of the match, moving forward and had a chance in the penalty area early on, but he was unable to convert it.
However, the former Portuguese champions were too good in the first half and took the lead through Evan Wilson’s penalty in the 32nd minute.
Al Hassan also played an active role in the midfield. Although he had to do a lot of defensive work, he also brought energy on offense.
Antwerp continued to defend for most of the match, but their problems worsened in the 50th minute when Jürgen Eckelenkamp was shown a red card for a vicious foul.
Sanusi had another chance to score in the 67th minute, jumping high to meet a cross. However, his header was deflected by the goalkeeper. The Super Eagles star had a very good game against Porto, registering 75 touches and two clearances. He also won 8 of his 11 duels.
Meanwhile, Yusuf was having an average day at the office with 50 touches. However, he could not cope with Porto’s offensive threat.
Ijuk played 15 minutes but was unable to produce a truly great performance for Antwerp. In the end, Porto’s match at Estadio Dragao ended 2-0.
Meanwhile, at Rajko Mitic Stadium, Peter Olayinka could not help Red Star Belgrade avoid a 2-1 defeat against RB Leipzig.
The Super Eagles striker started on the bench for the Serbian side but entered the match with Xavi Simons’ goal as the German side took a 1-0 lead.
Eight minutes after Olayinka was substituted, Leipzig increased their lead to two points with a goal from Reus Openda.
Red Star Belgrade equalized in the 81st minute with an own goal from Benjamin Henriks. Olayinka had a golden chance to score in stoppage time, but he could not capitalize. In the end, the match against Serbia ended with him 2-1.
In Italy, Samuel Chukwueze returned to the bench for AC Milan’s 2-1 win over PSG. Chukwueze returned from international injury leave, but he resumed training last week.
The former Villarreal player watched the entire match from the bench as his team won 2-1 thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao.
