Three Things Learned From Nigeria Players' Performance Last Weekend: Iwobi's Showboating, Chukwueze New Star, Ekong Consistent

As Nigerian players get on the pitches across Europe to help their club gain victories in their league matches this weekend, we recall three major takeaways from some of the boys' efforts in the penultimate weekend.


1. A New Star Is Born In Chukwueze

Super Eagles new kid on the block Samuel Chukwueze scored in Villarreal's 2-1 win over Real Betis over the weekend.

Aside his goal, his all round play was a menace for the former team of Finidi George. He missed some clear scoring chances but was hailed by former Arsenal and Espanyol right back Lauren, and Spanish journalist Guilem Balague for his performance. Balague described him as "the only spark in Villarreal's attack."

Chukwueze was also described by Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr Monday on national television as being useful to the national team as the team do not have plenty of left footed offensive players. This shows that he could be at his club and national team for a very long time.

A similar performance may be in the offing against Barcelona.


2. Alex Iwobi Must Watch His Showboating

Alex Iwobi played a part in Arsenal's second goal in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium as he passed the ball to Saed Kolasinac whose cross was prodded home by Pierre Emerick Aubameyang.

However Iwobi was at fault for the home side's goal as he  gave away the ball at the edge of the Bournemouth penalty area trying to waltz his way into the opposition's goal.

Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp would rather blame Hector Bellerin for not running back to block the passage of the ball but the first offender was Iwobi whose showboating in the first  place cost his team.


3. Ekong Is Consistent, Udinese May Get Offers For Him

William Troost-Ekong was once again in Udinese's line up last weekend as they shocked  AS Roma 1-0 at home.

Ekong and Leon Balogun are Nigeria's first choices at central defence but while the latter has been finding it very difficult to break into Brighton and Hove's first XI, Ekong has continued his consistent showings for Udinese and may be a transfer target of clubs across Europe in a not too distant future.

His defensive numbers against Roma (1 tackle, 13 clearances, 1 blocked shot, 4 aerials won, 28 touches of the ball) were not bad and hopefully he can have better days ahead - which may inadvertently turn him to be subject of interests from clubs across Europe.