There wasn’t much to celebrate for several Nigerian players in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League, reports Soccernet.ng.
Zaidu Sanusi was not included in the squad for the day as Porto lost 1-0 to Barcelona at the Estadio do Dragun.
The Super Eagles defender is currently undergoing treatment for a muscle injury and will not be able to take part in Nigeria’s international matches this month.
In Sanusi’s absence, Barcelona narrowly won with a goal from Ferran Torres in stoppage time in the first half.
Following the sacking of coach Gavi, the Spanish La Liga champions were reduced to 10 players in the closing stages, but Porto were unable to manage a late equalizer.
In the other match in Group H, Royal Antwerp conceded a two-goal lead before losing 3-2 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk.
Despite leaving three Nigerian players on the bench – Alhassan Yusuf, Chidela Ejuke and George Irenikena – Antwerp scored two goals in the first 33 minutes, sending their fans into the dreamland of Bozuil Stadium. Ta.
However, Shakhtar Donetsk silenced the home team in the second half, scoring three goals in 30 minutes.
Youssuf and Irenikena came on as substitutes in the 83rd minute and performed well as Antwerp converted a penalty in the final seconds. However, Toby Alderweireld’s shot from the penalty spot went wide, denying the Belgian champions their first goal in the Champions League.
Barcelona lead the group with six points, followed by Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk with three points each, while Antwerp are still without a point.
In Group G, Peter Olayinka featured in the last 30 minutes of FK Crvena Zvezda’s 2-2 home draw against Young Boys.
Olayinka replaced full-back Milan Rodic as FK Crvena Zvezda led 2-1, but Osman Bukari’s goal two minutes before the start gave the Serbian giants the spoils. brought a share.
In Group F, Samuel Chukwueze was introduced on the pitch in the 69th minute of AC Milan’s goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund.
Newcastle United are top of the Premier League with four points after a 4-1 thrashing of PSG in the other group game. Milan have only two points after two games, one point behind PSG and one point ahead of Dortmund.
