History-maker: Uche achieves what seven former Super Eagles invitees couldn't for Crystal Palace

Even though he spent less than nine minutes on the Selhurst Park pitch, Christantus Uche etched his name into the history books as the first Nigerian player to represent Crystal Palace in European competition, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The only blip on the night was Crystal Palace's shocking 1-0 defeat to Godswill Ekpolo's AEK Larnaca on matchday three of the UEFA Conference League, with the former Nigeria U23 international watching from the bench for the entirety of the game.

Palace fans were left stunned in the 51st minute when Riad Bajic hammered a shot past goalkeeper Dean Henderson for what proved to be the only goal of the contest.

In search of an equaliser, manager Oliver Glasner made a late double substitution in the 87th minute, introducing Christantus Uche and Romain Esse for Ismaila Sarr and Will Hughes respectively.

A deadline-day signing from Getafe, Uche thus made history as the first Nigerian ever to represent Crystal Palace on the European stage.

Seven former Super Eagles invitees — Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Shola Ameobi, Victor Moses, Ade Akinbiyi, George Ndah, and Dele Adebola — never featured for Crystal Palace in European competition.

Prior to his debut against the Cypriot First Division side on Thursday night, Uche had never played in European football.

To build up his match fitness ahead of the fixture, the Nigeria international featured in the first half of the EFL Trophy clash against Stevenage, where a Palace U21 side faced the League One club's senior team.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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