Nigerian players were in action across the various Leagues all over the world over the weekend. While there was plenty to cheer for some, it was uneventful for some others who either contributed little to their various teams’ result or were completely shut out of action for varying reasons.

CEOAFRICA’s source, PREMIUM TIMES, takes you across the world to x-tray the performances of Nigerian players abroad even as Coach Genort Rohr makes up his mind on those to invite for the November 12 World Cup qualifying match against Algeria.

The first point of call is the English Premier League where we had a couple of gladdening displays from Nigerian players. At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City had Kelechi Iheanacho to thank as he came off the bench to earn a point for Pep Guardiola’s men.

The 19-year-old was introduced in the 46th minute and scored 10 minutes later as they drew 1-1 with Southampton. That was the third league goal for Iheanacho this season but sadly, Sunday’s result meant City had gone five matches without a win.

It was also a draw for Arsenal over the weekend, and Alex Iwobi was on from the start, but had a subdued performance before being replaced in the 67th minute in the 0-0 draw with Middlesborough. Meanwhile, Chuba Akpom was not considered for the match day squad.

At the King Power Stadium, however, it was memorable day as Ahmed Musa scored his first Premier League goal for Leicester City in their 3-1 defeat of Crystal Palace. The Super Eagles vice-captain took advantage of a rare start to score the opener for the Foxes before being taken off in the 81st minute.

It was a similar feeling for Victor Moses. Although he didn’t score, he was in a scintillating form for Chelsea as they swept past Manchester United 4-0. He played as a right wing back and excelled for the entire duration in a game that saw Ola Aina on the bench but John Obi Mikel was conspicuously missing yet again.

For Odion Ighalo, it was another uneventful outing, as his goal drought continued in Watford’s 0-0 draw with Swansea. The 27-year-old was restored to the starting 11 in the absence of Isaac Success who missed out through injury, but failed to find the back of the net despite playing all through.

And in the Championship, Nigerian international, Hope Akpan, was a 79th minute entrant for Blackkburn Rovers as they suffered a 1-0 defeat at Bristol City. Another Nigeria international, Sone Aluko, failed to carry on his scoring form from last weekend, as he fired blanks in Fulham’s 1-0 loss at Aston Villa. He lasted 67 minutes in the game.

Carl Ikeme was on the losing side as Wolves suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Leeds United. While the Super Eagles number one was on all through, Dominic Iorfa was not listed for the game. New Nigeria’s invitee, Uche Agbo, played all through for Granada and picked up a 75th minute booking in the goalless draw with Gijon.

Former Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, was finally back on the winning side with Lille and even though he failed to keep a clean sheet. He helped his side to a 2-1 victory over Bastia.

Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, returned from injury to help Trabzonspor to a 1-0 away at giants Galatasaray. The Nigeria international began the game, before being replaced in the 89th minute shortly after being booked.

It wasn’t a lucky day for Nigeria U23 striker, Aminu Umar, however, as his club, Osmanlispor, lost 1-2 at home to Kasimpasa. The former Flying Eagles attacker played all through, but fired blanks and it was the same with Emem Eduok, who was with the winning side but was withdrawn after 86 minutes.

Another Super Eagles defender, Godfrey Oboabona, played all through for Rizespor in their 2-1 defeat of Genclirbirligi but was however shown a 41st minute yellow card while Kenneth Omeruo was on for Alanyaspor for 90 minutes but couldn’t stop his side from going down 2-0 at home to Bursaspor

Leon Balogun returned to action for Mainz, but it wasn’t a comeback to cherish as his team were hammered 3-0 at Shalke 04. The Nigeria international was handed a yellow card in the 21st minute yellow card.

The Nigeria coaches will however be glad he has returned to action after three weeks out.

Super Eagles defender, Wilfried Ndidi, was on all through for Genk and helped them beat St Truiden 1-0.

Meanwhile, it was a battle of Nigerians in the five-goal thriller between Eupen and Gent. Chukwuemeka Onyekuru and George Jamabo started for the home side who edged the tie 3-2. Even though Onyekuru lasted the entire game, he fired blanks and Jamabo was replaced by Anthony Bassey in the 73rd minute.

For Gent, Moses Simon started from the bench and was only introduced in the 77th minute, but Rabiu Ibrahim was not called upon from the bench, while Anderson Esiti was not listed. Left back, Elderson Echiejile, got a starter’s role for Standard Liege and lasted the entire duration in their 5-0 bashing of Waasland Beveren.

In the Veikkausliiga, Nnamdi Oduamadi started for HJK Helsinki but fired blanks before being replaced in the 88th minute, while Taye Taiwo played all through as they were held to a 0-0 draw by SJK. Meanwhile, Vincent Onovo never got off the bench for HJK.

It was a different story for Gbolahan Salami, who notched his 15th goal of the season for KuPS as they beat PS Kemi 1-0.  The former Warri Wolves striker played all 90 minutes, so also did Azubuike Egwuekwe and Paul Onobi, while Aliyu Abubakar was not listed.