Nigeria’s stars returned to action with their respective clubs in Europe, with a number of them making waves from the first week of the season.
Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was introduced off the bench after 71 minutes in the Reds’ league opener against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The Super Eagles ace scored a late consolation goal within 11 minutes of his introduction to set up a nervy finale, but his side lost 2-1 in the game. Fellow Nigeria international Ola Aina made his Premier League debut for Forest from the start, lasting 71 minutes before he was withdrawn for Neco Williams. Emmanuel Dennis was not listed for the game.
Elsewhere in England, Alex Iwobi was impressive in midfield for Everton as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham. The former Arsenal star featured for the entirety of the game for the Toffees, while Calvin Bassey was an unused substitute for Fulham.
In the French Ligue 1, Terem Moffi delivered an assist for OGC Nice as they played out a 1-1 draw at home to Lille OSC on Matchday One. The former FC Lorient star was on parade for 80 minutes before he was withdrawn from the game.
Former Flying Eagles striker Akor Adams scored twice for Montpellier as they played out a 2-2 draw at home to Le Havre in their Ligue 1 opener. The 23-year-old was replaced by Elye Wahi in the second half of the encounter.
In Spain, Sadiq Umar made his first La Liga appearance for Real Sociedad since picking up a knee injury nearly one year ago. The lanky striker featured for the last 15 minutes as his side played out a 1-1 draw at home to Girona.
In Germany, Victor Boniface scored his first competitive goal for Bayer Leverkusen on his competitive debut as they ran out 8-0 winners against Teutonia Ottensen in the DFB Pokal. The 22-year-old lasted 76 minutes before he was replaced by Noah Mbamba.
Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for West Bromwich Albion as claimed a 3-2 win at home to Swansea City in the Championship.
