Several Nigerian players were in action for their different clubs past weekend, nigeriasports.com's Ralph Dozie brings you a compilation of their performances.
Makinwa scores number two
Atalanta’s slim hopes of avoiding relegation from Serie A were given a massive boost as they saw off UEFA Cup hopefuls Bologna 2-0 at the Stadio Atleti d'Italia.
Goals in each half settled a match played in difficult conditions, Michele Marcolini scoring midway through the first half and Nigerian Stephen Ayodele Makinwa wrapping up matters on the hour for only their third win of what has so far been a disastrous season.
After assisting the first goal when he fired in a first-time cross towards unmarked Marcolini, who had the simplest of tasks to knock in from close range, Makinwa scored his own after several misses. Makinwa was on hand to force in a rebound after the keeper could not hold a shot first time for his second of the season. The game was out of Bologna’s reach, however, and Makinwa nearly compounded their misery with a third but his 86th- minute effort was ruled out for offside. Makinwa was later replaced in the 93rd minute with just a minute of injury time to go as Bologna defenders were kicking him all over.
Obodo on the bench
Christian Obodo did not figure at all at the Artemio Franchi Stadium as Siena beat Fiorentina 1-0 with Tore Andre Flo scoring. Obodo sat all 90 minutes on the French.
12,000 fans saw him sit out the game.
Ogbeche and Osaze battle to a draw
It was a battle between Batholomew Ogbeche and Osaze Odenwigie.
It how ever ended in no victor, no vanquished as both teams ended it 1-1.
While Batholomew Ogbeche played all 90 minutes, Odenwigie was on for 76 minutes.
Bothe players gave a ggod account of themselves but Osaze looked tired before he was pulled out.
Oruma still out
Wilson Oruma is still out injured and was not listed as his team, Sochaux lost 1-0 at St’ Ettienne.
Also in France Victor Agali’s Nice was massacred 4-1 by Rennes. When 2 goals down Nice tried hard to hit back with two corners by Balmont in quick succession both cleared by Victor Agali who was on for 76 minutes before being replaced.
Utaka out in the cold
There was no sign of John Utaka at the Felix Bollaert Stadium when RC Lens defeated Nantes 2-0.
Utaka was neither on the pitch nor on the bench.
Yobo out of FA cup
Joseph Yobo played all 90 minutes in Everton’s 0-2 FA Cup loss to almighty Manchester United.
The Nigerian international was on top of his game but tried as much as he could, he could not stop the goals from being scored. Fortune and Ronaldo were the scorers for Man U at the Goodison Park.
38, 664 fans saw Everton knocked out of the FA cup.
Sam Sodje on song
Nigerian younger star, Sam Sodje saved the day for Brentford as they live to fight another for a quarter final ticket in the FA cup.
Sam, younger brother of Nigerian world cup star Efe Sodje was simply a delight to watch all through the game. Brave Brentford came back from two goals down to earn an FA Cup fifth-round replay, with Isaiah Rankin and Sam Sodje their goalscoring heroes after Henri Camara had apparently given Southampton a commanding lead with two early tap-ins.
Brentford tested their former keeper Paul Smith with a cross from Nigerian born ex-England veteran John Salako, but they found themselves a goal down in less than four minutes.
Sodje set up the first Bees goal for Rankin with a pass which prompted a dashing solo run and a fine shot by the former Arsenal striker.
Then Sodje leapt to head in a far-post cross by Jay Tabb in the 57th minute to equalise.
Jay Jay Inspires Bolton
Austin jay Jay Okocha once again inspired Bolton Wanderers to another great victory and an FA cup quarter final qualification.
Bolton defeated Fulham 1-0. It was a very interesting game that saw Jay Jay doing his thing as usual. Fulham looked to be having the upper hand when Bolton picked up the pace again and Hierro showed his ability from dead-ball situations by picking out Okocha.
However, the Nigerian playmaker could only get the slightest touch on his header and Van der Sar was able to breath a sigh of relief.
Pedersen should have added a second in the 70th minute, but Goma cleared his close-range effort off the line after Okocha had set up the opening. Van der Sar then did well to block a thumping 25-yard free kick from Okocha in the 84th minute.
Immediately after that the tired Jay Jay was replaced in the 85th minute.
Olofinjana's wolves battle to a draw
In The Championship, Seyi Olofinjana’s Wolverhampton Wanderers drew 2-2 with Gillingham.
As the game progressed Olofinjana became more daring as his shots caused trouble for the goalkeeper.
Both sides ran out unchanged for the second half and it was in the 55th minute that Gillingham took the lead. Colin Cameron played Olofinjana into the box, but Banks saved bravely from the Nigerian.
Peter Utaka scores
Younger brother of John Utaka, Peter was on target for his team, Westerlo to give them a 2-1 lead, but this was shortlived as Racing Genk came back, equalized and then went ahead to win 3-2.
Ogunsoto again
Babatunde Ogunsoto can not just stop scoring.
The charcoal black striker scored the winner as Ergotelis sent back mighty Olympiakos empty handed with a 2-1 defeat. Ogunsoto scored on the dot of 90 minutes just as Olympiakos fans were celebrating a draw.
Brazillian Rivaldo scored Olympiakos only goal through Penalty.
Good weekend for Captain Udeze
it a great weekend for Ifeanyi Udeze as he led his team, Paok Salonika to a 3-1 win over Kallithea.
Captain Udeze gave a command performance all through the 90 minutes of the game.
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