UEL Qualifiers Wrap: Akinyemi Scores With Rohr Watching; Azango Strikes; Ejaria Stars; Umar Benched

Published: August 02, 2018

Catch up on the performance of Nigerian players and their teams in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, August 2nd.

At the Ibrox Stadium which saw Rangers FC move onto the next round of qualifiers following a 1-1 draw (2-1 aggregate win) versus Osijek, three Nigerians were penciled down for the cracker.

Liverpool loanee Ovie Ejaria started in Glasgow for the hosts and was in action till the last minute of stoppage time, as also was Osijek's Ezekiel Henty who logged the whole duration of the game. Sadiq Umar will, however not come off the bench to taste action for Rangers.

Elsewhere, teenage striker, Adeleke Akinyemi continued to hog the headlines after scoring his seventh Europa League goal and his 20th in all competitions for Ventspils in their 2-1 loss to Bordeaux at the Stade Matmut- Atlantique.

The 19-year-old who got on the scoresheet five minutes after the hour mark to halve the deficit started alongside his compatriots, Tosin Aiyegun and Abdullahi Alfa and the later duo were in action for the entirety of the game. Midfielder Alfa was replaced after 74 minutes of action.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr was sighted at the stadium having a chat with the three youngsters before the start of the game.

AS Trenčin winger, Philip Azango was on song for his Slovakian side in their 4-1 bashing of Górnik Zabrze at the Futbalový štadión.

The 21-year old joined in on the goal scoring act in the 59th minute, making the scoreline 3-0 before making way four minutes from time.

Azango's teammates Abdul Musa Zubairu and Reuben Yem went the distance while Emeka Umeh who started the evening among the substitutes was afforded some game time when he replaced Antonio Mance in added time.

Emmanuel Chinaza