Several Nigerian players were in action on Thursday as the UEFA Europa League group stage concluded across Europe, Soccernet.football reports.
Osimhen extends Europa League streak in Galatasaray defeat
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen continued his impressive scoring run in the Europa League, netting in his fourth consecutive appearance for Galatasaray. However, his late goal was merely a consolation as the Turkish giants suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ajax.
The Napoli loanee struggled to breach Ajax’s defence for most of the match but eventually found the net in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, Osimhen reacted swiftly to a rebound inside the box, blasting a powerful shot past the Ajax goalkeeper. Despite his effort, Galatasaray couldn’t overturn the two-goal deficit established earlier in the match.
Bertrand Traoré opened the scoring for Ajax in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on a loose ball in the penalty area. The Dutch side doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Kian Fitz-Jim finished off a counterattack with a precise strike.
Osimhen had a frustrating evening in front of goal, missing several chances before his late strike. In the 18th minute, he sent a header wide, and just before halftime, he squandered another aerial opportunity, directing his effort off target. His third headed attempt, in the 57th minute, was comfortably saved by the Ajax goalkeeper.
Despite the defeat, Osimhen’s goal took his tally for the season to 17 in all competitions, including five in the Europa League.
Galatasaray will now prepare for the knockout playoffs, where they will look to advance further in the competition.
Teenager Ajayi scores on Spurs debut in Europa League victory
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Nigerian teenager Damola Ajayi made a dream start to his professional career, scoring just three minutes into his senior debut as Tottenham Hotspur cruised to a 3-0 win over IF Elfsborg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 19-year-old forward, who had been included in Ange Postecoglou’s squad for four consecutive matches due to injuries to key attackers, finally got his chance in the 81st minute, replacing Richarlison.
Moments later, fellow academy graduate Dane Scarlett broke the deadlock, and in the 84th minute, Ajayi doubled Spurs’ advantage with a composed finish. Scarlett turned provider, laying off the ball for the Nigerian, who fired a low drive into the bottom corner.
Mikey Moore sealed the victory in added time, embarking on a dazzling solo run from midfield before finishing with a precise shot across goal.
Ajayi, a Premier League 2 winner with Tottenham in 2023-24, recently signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club until 2028. He was also part of the Spurs squads that won the U17 and U18 Premier League Cup double in the 2022-23 season.
With the victory, Tottenham secured fourth place in their Europa League group and will face either AZ Alkmaar, Midtjylland, Galatasaray, or Real Sociedad in the round of 16 in March.
Other Nigerian players in action
Cyriel Dessers registered an assist in Rangers’ 2-1 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise at Ibrox Stadium.
Zaidu Sanusi came on as a second-half substitute as Porto secured a hard-fought 1-0 away win at Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru played the full match as Lazio suffered a 1-0 defeat at Sporting Braga, ending their unbeaten run in the competition.
Kevin Akpoguma completed 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in their thrilling 4-3 away win against Anderlecht, though his side was eliminated despite the victory.
Who progresses to the knockouts?
Despite their defeat, Lazio finished top of the Europa League group phase and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Tottenham and Rangers also secured their spots in the next round.
Galatasaray, Porto, Ajax, and Fenerbahce will contest the knockout playoffs, while Hoffenheim exit the competition despite their dramatic win.
Europa League: Osimhen nets again as Galatasaray fall at Ajax; Nigerian teen scores on Spurs debut
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