Nigerians in EL and ECL: Daga and Durosinmi deliver as Osimhen and Sanusi crash out of Europe

The playoff round of the UEFA Europa League and Europa Conference League concluded on Thursday, bringing mixed fortunes for several Nigerian players, Footynaija.com reports.

Europa League

Samu Aghehowa opened the scoring for Porto, but Zaidu Sanusi remained on the bench as ten-man Porto fell 3-2 to AS Roma, exiting the competition with a 4-3 aggregate defeat.

Victor Osimhen notched his 20th goal of the season for Galatasaray, helping the Turkish champions rally from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home against AZ Alkmaar. However, having lost the first leg 4-1, Galatasaray bowed out of the competition.

These four goals scored by Victor Osimhen are what we call classic No. 9 goals. Only a few can score like this.

pic.twitter.com/qWAd8VtqDq

— SHAYEE (@tier_first) February 20, 2025

Promise David converted a first-half penalty as Union St. Gilloise secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win away at Ajax. Despite the victory, the Belgian side was eliminated 3-2 on aggregate.

Bright Osayi-Samuel featured for Fenerbahce in a 2-2 draw against Anderlecht in Belgium. José Mourinho’s side advanced comfortably with a 5-2 aggregate triumph.

Rafiu Durosinmi delivered a standout performance for Viktoria Plzen, helping them overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit with a commanding 3-0 win over Hungarian giants Ferencváros (3-1 on aggregate). The in-form striker assisted the opener and netted his side’s final goal, bringing his tally to three goals and an assist in his last two matches.

Europa Conference League

Super Eagles goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was an unused substitute as Omonia Nicosia fell 2-1 to Pafos FC, crashing out with a 3-2 aggregate defeat.

Jordan Torunarigha was a defensive rock for Gent as they stunned 10-man Real Betis with a 1-0 away win. However, it wasn’t enough to overturn their 3-0 first-leg loss.

Flying Eagles star Daniel Daga had a night to remember as he helped Molde advance to the Round of 16 following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Shamrock Rovers.

Shamrock Rovers had snatched a 1-0 away victory in Norway last week, and Molde returned the favor on Thursday to level the tie at 1-1 on aggregate.

Daniel Daga scored one of Moldë’s penalties as they went past Shamrock Rovers, into the Europa Conference League Round of 16

Nerves of steel!! – UNLESS THEY KILL GOD! pic.twitter.com/BFxFHhzBL4

— Official AGT⚽️ (@Iam_agt) February 20, 2025

The match went to penalties, where 18-year-old Daga coolly converted Molde’s fourth spot-kick in a 5-4 shootout win.