Mikel Arteta's Arsenal kept their season alive after coming from behind to beat Benfica 3-2 to progress to the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday evening.
No Nigeria-eligible player was involved in the game held in Athens, with the Spanish football tactician omitting registered players Arthur Okonkwo, Tolaji Bola, Zach Awe, Ryan Alebiosu, Miguel Azeez and Folarin Balogun from the traveling party to Greece.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang broke the deadlock on 21 minutes, assisted by Bukayo Saka, before two errors by Dani Ceballos allowed the Portuguese side to go 2-1 up.
Kieran Tierney equalised midway through the first half before Aubameyang headed home a cross from Saka in the 88th minute as the north London club booked their place in the next round.
Shortly after the match at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis - Piraeus, one-time Nigeria Football Federation target and man of the match Saka took to social media to celebrate the Gunners' qualification to the next round.
"Yes we almost gave you a heart attack but we love you all ! 😂â¤ï¸ More nights like this please boys ðŸ˜ðŸ”¥ðŸ”¥ #COYG 🥳," Saka posted on Instagram.
At least seven Hale End academy products of Nigerian descent including ex-Golden Eaglets invitee Malcolm Ebiowei reacted to Saka's post, praising him for his display against the Portuguese giants.
Here's what they said :
Malcolm Ebiowei : "🔥🔥â¤ï¸"
Tobi Omole : "ðŸ¤ðŸ¤"
Miguel Azeez : "🔥🔥"
Arthur Okonkwo : "ðŸ˜â¤ï¸"
Joseph Olowu : "Too Easy 🔊"
Folarin Balogun : "Big baggg!"
David Agbontohoma : "What a player!ðŸ˜"
Tobi Omole : "ðŸ¤ðŸ¤"
Miguel Azeez : "🔥🔥"
Arthur Okonkwo : "ðŸ˜â¤ï¸"
Joseph Olowu : "Too Easy 🔊"
Folarin Balogun : "Big baggg!"
David Agbontohoma : "What a player!ðŸ˜"
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
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