Soccernet.ng highlights some of the most eye-catching performances of Nigerian stars in the major European competitions on Thursday, August 15, 2024.
SERBIA
In the Super Liga, Peter Olayinka showed excellent form as he bagged a brace to propel Red Star Belgrade to a convincing 4-1 away win at Cukaricki.
Olayinka headed home the first goal in the 15th minute and doubled the advantage shortly after with an excellent curled shot that gave the goalkeeper no chance.
The Super Eagles star’s brace set the visitors on the path to a victory that powered them to the top of the league table after five rounds of matches.
SPAIN
Chrisantus Uche scored on his competitive debut for Getafe in their thrilling 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao on the opening weekend of La Liga.
Oihan Sancet’s brilliant strike handed Athletic Bilbao the lead in the 27th minute but Uche rose highest to equalise for Getafe with a powerful header midway through the second half.
— sterldtopv (@sterldtopv) August 15, 2024
Twenty-one-year-old Uche, who was playing amateur football in his hometown in Owerri two years ago, only joined Getafe this summer from the Spanish lower league side, Ceuta for 500,000 euros.
UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE
Yusuf Otubanjo was again the hero for Pyunik as he netted the only goal in their 1-0 win over Ordabasy that sent the Armenian club to the next round of the Conference League.
Pyunik advanced on a two-nil aggregate victory after claiming a 1-0 win in the first leg last week, also thanks to a fine strike by Otubanjo.
Jordan Torunarigha came off the bench to help KAA Gent progress in the competition following a 3-2 win (5-4 on aggregate) over Silkeborg after extra time.
UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE
Steven Alfred scored the crucial away goal for Dinamo Minsk in their 2-1 loss at Lincoln Red Imps which gave them a 3-2 aggregate triumph and book their place in the playoff round of the UEFA Europa League.
It would be recalled that the 26-year-old attacker, who joined Minsk on a free transfer last month, assisted one of the goals for Dinamo Minsk in their 2-0 first-leg win.
Despite parading Anthony Nwakaeme in the second half, Trabzonspor crashed out of the Europa League after suffering a 1-0 home defeat (3-0 on aggregate) against Rapid Vienna.
Trabzonspor, who are still battling hard to secure the signing of Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu from Southampton, were toothless in attack across the two meetings with the Austrians. Onuachu was the club’s top scorer last season while on loan from England.
