Last week proved difficult for Nigerian football as the Super Eagles endured severe conditions in Libya following their 1-0 win in Uyo in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Nigerian team’s flight to Benghazi was redirected to the abandoned Al Abraq airport, where they were stranded for over 15 hours without food, water, or internet. Intervention from the Nigerian government and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) finally allowed them to leave. CAF has since removed the fixture pending disciplinary action.
After their return, players resumed club duties. Stanley Nwabali made four saves for Chippa United but conceded a 103rd-minute goal in a 1-0 extra-time loss to TS Galaxy. William Troost-Ekong played the full match for Al Kholood in their 1-1 draw against Al Fateh. Alhassan Yusuf assisted in New England Revolution’s 6-2 loss to Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi.
In Europe, Bruno Onyemaechi was rested by Boavista, and Moses Simon provided an assist in Nantes’ 1-1 draw with OGC Nice. Ademola Lookman struggled in Atalanta’s 2-0 win over Venezia. Victor Boniface missed a penalty but scored the winning goal in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt, only to be involved in a car accident later that day. Fortunately, he escaped with minor injuries. Samuel Chukwueze returned for AC Milan, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Udinese, where Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye featured but couldn’t stop the shot.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru remained benched in Lazio’s 1-0 loss to Juventus, while Raphael Onyedika assisted in Club Brugge’s 2-1 win over Westerlo. Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke were in Sevilla’s squad against Barcelona, with Ejuke forced off due to injury in their 5-1 defeat. Bright Osayi-Samuel was absent for Fenerbahce’s 2-2 draw with Samsunspor.
In England, Semi Ajayi helped West Brom secure a 1-1 draw with Oxford United, while Benjamin Tanimu debuted for Crawley Town in their 4-1 loss to Reading. Wilfred Ndidi and Joe Aribo featured in Leicester City’s 3-2 win over Southampton. Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi played for Fulham in their 3-1 loss to Aston Villa, and Ola Aina, along with Taiwo Awoniyi, were named in Nottingham Forest’s squad for their upcoming game against Crystal Palace.
