Nigeria Players Abroad: Slavia’s Olayinka Denied Victory Dance, As Simy Suffer Loss

  Nigerian stars were in action for their respective clubs, but it was a frustrating day for some stars, while it was a good day at the office for a few Nigerian players who found the range for their clubs in Europe. Peter Olayinka scored his sixth goal of the league campaign, but it was not enough as Slavia Prague were held to a 3-3 draw at Pribram. The champions would have only themselves to blame for letting all three points slip through their fingers, conceding two own goals and a late winner at the home of an opponent drowning in relegation waters. Still, Slavia remain on course to retain their league title, having established a 13-point lead over second-place Jablonec. Super Eagles winger Olayinka managed just four league goals last term as Slavia romped to their sixth championship crown. Elsewhere in Italy, Simy Nwankwo came on as a second-half substitute, but he could not help Crotone from defeat against AC Milan at the San Siro. The 28-year-old came on for Samuel Di Carmine in the 78th minute for his 21st league appearance, but he could not add to his seven goals as the Rossoneri moved back to the top of Serie A courtesy of a 4-0 thrashing. Meanwhile, in the Scottish Premiership, Joe Aribo made his 21st league appearance, but Rangers dropped points following a 1-1 draw at Hamilton. Aribo was on the pitch for the entire duration, but he had an average performance on the day. The Nigerian international had just 73% pass accuracy while he only managed three shots at goal with just one on target. His international compatriot, Leon Balogun was an unused substitute in the clash. Rangers took the lead in the 80th minute courtesy of an own goal from Brian Easton. It looked like the Gers were on course for a routine win until Ross Callachan popped up in the fourth minute of added time to rescue a point for Hamilton. Although Steven Gerrard’s men remain on course for a first league title since 2011, the result leaves them 21 points ahead of Celtic, who have two games in hand. Victor Osimhen once again made an appearance off the bench, but he could not prevent Napoli from defeat at Genoa. Oshimhen is yet to start a game since recovering from coronavirus, and Saturday’s night game was not different. The former Lille striker came on for Andrea Petagna in the 54th minute with Napoli trailing by Goran Pandev’s brace in the first half. Osimhen had the chance to make an instant impact when a low cross found him in the box, but he could only blast his effort over the bar. Although Matteo Politano pulled one back for Gli Azzurri, Genoa held on for a vital win. Osimhen has now lost the two league games he has played since returning from coronavirus. In Holland, Tyronne Ebuehi made his 19th league appearance of the season for Twente, but he was on the receiving end of a 3-0 bashing from PSV. Ebuehi was in action for 86-minutes as goals from Donyell Malen in either half sandwiched between a strike from Eran Zahavi secured a comprehensive win for Roger Schmidt’s side. Away from Holland, Taiwo Awoniyi once again fired blanks as his return to Mainz ended in disappointment following a 1-0 loss for Union Berlin. Awoniyi spent last season on loan at Mainz, which proved to be mostly underwhelming with just a league goal to his name. However, he has had a good season so far at Union Berlin this campaign with five league goals already. But he could not add to his tally in the clash against his former employers. The clash was Awoniyi’s 18th league appearance this season as a Moussa Niakhate’s penalty in the 2nd-minute sealed the win for Mainz.