it was a great night for Nigerian players in the Uefa cup as they shone like million stars helping their clubs to deserving victories and qualification to the round of 16.
nigeriasports.com brings you reports of their performances.
Odita, Emeghara in fine form
The Nigerian duo in Serbian club Partizan Belgrade, Obiora Emmanuel Odita and Ifeanyi Emeaghara were in Superlative form lastnight as Partizan Belgrade upstaged Ukrainian side Dnipro 1-0 away from home. Both Odita and Emeaghara played full ninety minutes contributing effectively.
With a short pass, Odita assisted the lone goal scored by Djordjevic, in the 87th minute. With the win Partizan got their passage to next round of UEFA CUP on a 3-2 aggregate after the first leg ended 2-2. Odita scored both goals in the first leg.
Aghahowa saves Shakhtar
Julius Efosa Aghahowa showed a rich vein of form lastnight in the UEFA Cup when Shaktar Donestk against all odds went, saw and conqured Shalke 04 of Germany right at their backyard. With the round of 32 tie evenly balanced following a 1-1 first-leg score, Julius Aghahowa grabbed the decisive goal after 21 minutes to earn the Ukrainians victory in the return match and leave their German hosts disappointed after a lacklustre display. A clever ball from Anatoliy found the unmarked Super Eagles talisman, Aghahowa, who also rounded Rodriguez off before unleashing a powerful strike past the keeper. Aghahowa played for 76 minutes before being substituted but he had done enough to win the man of the match award.
Solid Enakharire
Joseph Enakharire played with the heart of a lion as he stood like rock of Gibralter at the heart of defence for Sporting Lisbon as they beat home side, Feyenoord 2-1 to march on with a 4-2 aggregate score. 33,000 fans saw the exciting encounter.
No show for Baba
At St’ James Park, home of Newcastle, there was celebration after their 2-1 win over Heerenveen of Holland but Celestine Babayaro was not part of the action as he was not dressed.
Shola Ameobi was however on for all 90 minutes. Newcastle reached the round of 16 on a 4-2 aggregate.
Osaze the sub.
At the Lille Metropole, Osaze Odenwigie was a 68 minute substitute. He played well and contributed to Lille’s 2-0 win over Swiss side, Basle which was all they needed to reach the round of 16.
Ordia wins with CSKA.
In Portugal, Chidi Ordia started but was pulled out in the 78 minute as CSKA played a 1-1 draw and grabbed a 3-1 aggregate score to advance to the round of 16.
Atanda falls with Kiev
Atanda Yusuf and his Dynamo Kiev mates have been knocked out of the Uefa cup.
Despite playing all 90 minutes of the game last night, Atanda could not help his team as they were out hustled 2-0 by Villarreal of Spain. Atanda’s performance last night could be described as ordinary.
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