Osimhen scores, Bassey wins, Iwobi shines and Iheanacho to Fenerahce
A general review of Nigerian players in the European league over the weekend.
Nigeria forward, Victor Osimhen, was on target as Napoli thrashed Monza 4-0 in their Serie A clash at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Sunday.
Osimhen scored Napoli’s second goal late in the first half after he was set up by Cameroon midfielder, Zambo Anguissa.
The 23-year-old was also target in Napoli’s opening day win against Hellas Verona.
The striker has now scored two goals and recorded one assist in two league appearances for the Partenopei.
Napoli occupy top spot on the table with six points from two matches.
Luciano Spalletti’s side will face Fiorentina in their next league game.
Elsewhere, Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey made his Eredivisie debut as Ajax defeated Sparta Rotterdam 1-0 at the Sparta- Stadion Het Kasteel on Sunday afternoon.
Bassey was suspended for the Eredivisie champions opening two games of the season after picking up a yellow card in the Dutch Super Cup clash against PSV Eindhoven.
The left-back started the game and put up an impressive display.
The 22-year-old nearly bagged an assist in the thrilling encounter.
The Nigerian international set up Brian Brobbley in the second half but the latter’s shot cannon off the woodwork.
Ajax will face FC Utrecht in their next league game.
Meanwhile, Everton boss Frank Lampard was delighted with Alex Iwobi for their 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.Lampard also highlighted midfield partner Tom Davies.
He said, “I thought Alex Iwobi was fantastic. Receiving it, controlling it and breaking through lines and passing well. The movements of the back three and the angles of trying to play through, especially in the early parts of the game, were really good.
“Some of the performances were very good and players like Tom Davies were integral in the way we were playing. Those are the moments – when we were playing well and opening them up in that first 25 minutes – when it’s about getting that goal, because then the game looks completely different.”
On goalscorer Demarai Gray, he said: “I was really pleased with Demarai’s performance and the goal. Against players that are committed to defend in numbers, you need players that open the game up. Demarai did that with his movement, with his speed and with his one-v-one stuff. The goal was fantastic. It was a great ball from Jordan, there was perfect timing of the run and perfect control on the run, which is tough, and he slotted it in. It was great to see.”
Out of favour Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho may move to Fenerahce
Report coming from Turkey indicates that Turkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce has opened discussion with English Premier League side Leicester City for Nigeria's Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho.
The 25-year-old Nigeria international who joined the Foxes in 2017 from Manchester City has made significant progress with the team.
His performance was instrumental to the club winning the English FA cup in 2021 beating Chelsea in the final.
The report further suggest that negotiations are reportedly progressing positively, with Fenerbahce offering to take Iheanacho on a season-long loan, with the option to make the move permanent at the end of the campaign.
