Five Talking Points From Nigerian Stars' Performances In Europe Last Weekend: Iwobi, Aina, Uzoho, Iheanacho & Odey

Nigerian players were in action for their clubs last weekend but some were shut out by their coaches with different results.

Izuchukwu Okosi takes a look at the talking points from some of the games involving Super Eagles stars.


1. Wenger Made Iwobi Good Player,  Emery Will Make Him Great Player

Alex Iwobi came off the bench against Liverpool in what was arguably the most spectacular performance of the season so far for the Gunners and assisted Alexander Lacazette's goal which claimed a 1-1 for the North London side.

The Hale End academy graduate has been a player reborn under Unai Emery - his energy and dribbles have been refreshing albeit he still needs to score more goals.

Arsenal fans were excited at the prospect of the Nigerian when former manager Arsene Wenger played him in a Champions League game against Barcelona at the Camp Nou but he had some frustrating games after that initial promise.

Now, Iwobi is flying and all thanks go to Emery who the Nigerian admitted has improved the squad with his demanding style of football.

That hands on approach will benefit Iwobi massively and if he works on his finishing power then Emery must have taken Wenger's job on the Super Eagles star a notch higher


2. Iheanacho Needs To Go On Scoring Streak To Challenge Vardy

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho was an unused substitute in Leicester's 1-0 win over Cardiff on an emotional evening as the club continue to mourn its late owner.

Iheanacho's arrival at the club from Manchester City was expected to be a new lease of life but has not quite been the case.

Jamie Vardy is the club's top striker and rightly so. If Iheanacho is to have a future at Leicester he needs to be more clinical in dront of goal - in fact go on a  scoring streak when given the opportunity. He has scored just once in ten Premier League games.

The demise of Leicester FC owner  Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha can only serve to inspire the Foxes to continue the legacy and aspiration of the charismatic Thai billionaire whose financial might ensured they achieved a historic title feat in the 2015/2016 season.

That means the club might be favourably disposed to buying s few top talents so in order not be affected by such shakeup the Nigerian has to up his ante whenever he gets the chance.


3. Uzoho's Injury Only Hopes For Others To Shine

Gernot Rohr is backing Uzoho as his number one choice keeper and only an injury to the youngster would guarantee another keeper the chance to be in goal for the Eagles.

That has proved the case as the injury Uzoho copped in the 5-1 defeat to Cadiz on Sunday paved way for the invitation of Enyimba keeper Theophilus Afelokhai for the upcoming 2019 AFCON qualifier against South Africa and friendly with the Ugandans.

Not really how fans of the Enyimba first choice keeper will hope for his chance in the team - they certainly would have hoped that Ikechukwu Ezenwa who is second choice at Enyimba is not invited altogether. 

"Injury is part of the game,definitely not the best timing but there are things beyond us. So sad i won't be there for my teammates for the next 4weeks they're more than capable to get the job done. Coming back a beast," Uzoho said on his Twitter account.


4. Ola Aina Assists But Still Defensively Average

The Super Eagles defender played from the left back position and assisted a 56th minute goal in Torino's 4-1 romp over Sampdoria.

Ola Aina joined the attack when the opportunity came but defensively he struggled and was constantly run ragged by the duo of Denis Praet and Albin Egdal who switched positions from the wings at will.

That mirrors his performances for the Super Eagles where he had more bad games than good ones. It does prove that Aina will be perfect as a wingback rather than a full back.


5. Odey Deserves Super Eagles Invitation

Stephen Odey  continued his impressive performances for his Swiss club FC Zurich as they won 5-2 away at Luzern last weekend.

Nigerian striker Blessing Eleke was on target for the home side.

The former MFM FC of Lagos striker has been in superb form for his club so far this season and needs to part of the Super Eagles team going forward to create a healthy competition in the striker position.

Based on his performances of  late in Switzerland, Odey not getting national team recognition will be unthinkable.


Izuchukwu Okosi