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*Aribo, Simon also on target
*Iheanacho, Chukwueze grab assists
Action returned to full swing in the European Top Five leagues as fans in England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany were all treated to some spectacular performances, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
A host of Nigerian players were in action in the EPL, La Liga and Serie A.
EBENEZER BAJELA takes a look at how the Eagles stars fared for their respective European clubs…
PREMIER LEAGUE
Alex Iwobi – Everton
It was an underwhelming display from Iwobi as Frank Lampard continued his experiment of utilising the Nigeria international, who played in the deep-lying playmaker role at the centre of the pitch as the Toffees suffered a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Iwobi and Abdoulaye Doucoure were unable to take control of the midfield for the first 20 minutes as Villa’s midfielders ran rings round them.
The Nigerian was, however, influential in stopping a probing attack from Villa while he also tried to start the Toffees attack.
The 26-year-old almost got the all-important equaliser for Everton in the 90th minute but a crucial intervention from Tyrone Mings denied the midfielder a chance to grab a point for the away side.
Joe Aribo – Southampton
The Eagles midfielder came off the bench to open his goals account for Southampton.
The former Glasgow Rangers star had only been on the pitch for 11 minutes before scoring the goal that helped the Saints comeback from two goals down.
Rodrigo had handed Leeds the advantage with two goals in 15 second-half minutes as the visitors looked on course to maintain their winning start to the season but the Nigerian scored his first Premier League goal in the 72nd minute before Kyle Walker-Peters scored the equaliser in the 81st-minute.
Iheanacho, Ndidi – Leicester City
Forward Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench to assist a goal for Leicester City in their 4-2 loss to Arsenal at the Emirates on Saturday.
A brace from Gabriel Jesus gave the Gunners a two-goal lead within 35 minutes, before Granit Xhaka and Martinelli added one each for the win.
Iheanacho assisted James Maddison’s goal four minutes after he came off the bench.
Iheanacho’s introduction added some bite to Leicester’s attack, and the Nigerian looked sharp on the afternoon.
Meanwhile, Ndidi had a decent game for the Foxes, showing his physicality and defensive ability. The former Genk man had two clearances, two tackles and an 87 per cent pass accuracy.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Ojo, Collins – Cardiff
Both Nigerians were in action for Cardiff in the Championship as they grabbed a 1-0 win over Birmingham City at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Super Eagles defender Jamilu Collins was in action for the entire 90 minutes, while Sheyi Ojo came on as a substitute for Callum O’Dowda in the 82nd minute.
Despite spending just eight minutes on the pitch, the forward was cautioned late into the game as the home side held on to their slender lead.
LALIGA
Samuel Chuwueze – Villarreal
The winger was in action for only 27 minutes as Villarreal beat Valladolid 3-0 in their opening LaLiga clash.
Unai Emery brought Chukwueze on in the 63rd minute for former Arsenal midfielder Francis Coquelin.
The 23-year-old then dribbled past his marker, before sending a nice cross to Alex Baena, who coolly converted to double the Yellow Submarines goal.
Chukwueze almost got on the score sheet himself but was denied by a last ditch tackle from the Valladolid defence.
LIGUE 1
Moses Simon – Nantes
Simon scored the opener for Nantes in the 27th minute but his effort was not enough as last season’s French Cup winners had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Lille.
Despite an impressive display, Simon was unable to guide his side to victory in their opening fixture against Angers last week and a 76th minute goal from Ismaily denied them another chance of recording a victory.
SERIE A
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
Debutant Lookman hit the ground running on his Serie A debut as he scored a 95th minute goal to help Atalanta seal a 2-0 win over Sampdoria.
Lookman, who recently joined Atalanta in a €15m deal from RB Leipzig, was a 63rd minute substitute for Lucas Muriel.
His goal, however, didn’t come until after more than half an hour later to put the icing on Atalanta’s win.
The 24-year-old finished off a fine counter attack move by the visitors, coolly tapping in, after sending a Sampdoria defender to the cleaners.
BUNDESLIGA
Kevin Akpoguma – Hoffenheim
The German-Nigerian defender was in action for Hoffenheim as they recorded their first win of the season against Bochum at the PreZero Arena on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was solid at the back for the home team as they claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win.
Akpoguma was shown a yellow card by referee Patrick Ittrich in the 67th minute after a rash challenge.