Europa Roundup: Uzoho in superb form as Devils edge Omonia

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Ebenezer Bajela.

A host of Nigerian players were in action on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho put up a man-of-the-match display as Omonia Nicosia lost 1-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on match-day 4 of the Europa League.

Substitute Scott McTominay grabbed the winner with virtually the last kick of the game in the 93rd minute to break Omonia hearts.

But Uzoho was in superb form, and was the major reason Omonia maintained the respectable scoreline, making a series of fantastic saves as the visiting Cypriots frustrated the Red Devils in front of their home fans time and again.

In the 56th minute, Uzoho made a superb double-save to deny Bruno Fernandes the opener.

Despite having 10 shots on target, United were unable to beat the Nigerian keeper until McTominay ‘s winner deep into added time.

In France, Moses Simon was in action for Nantes in their 4-0 home defeat to Freiburg, also in the Europa League.

The Nigeria international, who has three goals and one assist this season, is yet to find the back of the net in European competition, and was substituted in the 73rd minute, following an underwhelming performance by the French club.

Little-known striker Victor Boniface scored the opening and the last goal in a six-goal thriller as Union St.Gilloise played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with visiting Portuguese side SC Braga.

The Nigerian has been in superb form this season, with his brace on Thursday taking his goal tally to 18 this season.

AEK Larnaca forward Victor Olatunji was cautioned in the 88th minute of their 2-1 home defeat to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Finnish footballer of Nigerian descent Anthony Olusanya was a 79th minute substitute as his club HJK lost 2-0 at Ludogorets Razgrad.