Europa League Wrap: Etuhu, Udoji, Anene, Bentley, Ogunjimi And Eze Advance

Published: July 23, 2015

Allnigeriasoccer.com’s editorial staff runs the rule over the Nigerian players that were in action for their respective clubs in Thursday’s Europa League second qualifying round.

Dickson Etuhu and AIK Stockholm are through to the next round thanks to their 4 - 0 aggregate win against Shirak. The Nigeria international was subbed out on the hour mark.

Ex Bulgaria youth international Chigozie Udoji was an unused substitute as Dinamo Minsk qualified for the third round on the back of their 4 - 0 win over Cherno More Varna.

FK Spartaks (Latvia) crashed out of the competition after losing 4 - 1 on aggregate to Vojvodina. Spartaks number 25 Ahmed Abdultaofik was cautioned in the 39th minute and was subbed off immediately after the intermission.

Vincent Eze did not make the match day squad as AC Omonia (Cyprus) booked their place in the third qualifying round after beating Jagiellonia Bialystok 1 - 0.

Norwegian side Odd Grenland defeated Shamrock Rovers 2 - 1 in Skien to progress to the next round, with ex Flying Eagles star Chuks Akabueze in action for 45 first - half minutes.

John Ogu netted hist first ever goal in a European club competition after six minutes but his joy was short- lived, with Nelson Ferreira netting a brace for Thun which knocked Hapoel Beer Sheva out of the preliminary round for the second year running.

Teammate Anthony Nwakaeme was introduced seven minutes from time for the visitors.

Rabotničk will face Trabzonspor next week in the third round, their reward for seeing off Jelgava over two legs.

Ex Norway youth - teamer Chuma Anene lasted 68 minutes on the pitch for the Macedonia vice - champions while Jelgava midfielder Kennedy Eriba was benched.

Despite losing 1 - 0 at home to Mlada Boleslav, Marvin Ogunjimi and Stroemsgodset advanced to the third round. The Belgium international did not make the 18 - man squad as he is injured and has been ruled out for the season.

Maltese club Birkirkara almost caused a sensation against West Ham but were unlucky in the shoot out after normal and regulation time failed to produce a winner. Goalie Ini Etim Akpan failed to come off the bench.