One-cap Nigeria international centre back Franklin Uchenna has been included in the WhoScored Europa League Team of the Week after a commanding performance for Red Star Belgrade.

The 26-year-old scored the decisive goal in Red Star Belgrade’s 1-0 victory over Lille OSC during the knockout phase playoff first leg on Thursday. 

Uchenna’s goal came just before half-time, reacting quickest after a corner slipped through the box and drilling a low finish into the net.

Uchenna’s performance earned him a spot alongside four Nottingham Forest players in the Europa League Team of the Week. 

Igor Jesus Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White, Murillo, and Neco Williams were all recognized for their contributions to the English side’s campaign.

Other players included in the selection are Bryan Heynen and Zakaria El Ouahdi of Genk, Iago Aspas of Celta Vigo, Nicolò Cambiaghi of Bologna, Andreas Tetteh of Panathinaikos, and Antonis Tsiftsis of PAOK FC.

Uchenna’s goal proved pivotal in giving Red Star Belgrade an advantage in the first leg of the knockout phase, reflecting the centre-back’s impact both defensively and offensively. 

The Serbian side will look to build on this result when they host Lille OSC in the return leg in Belgrade next week.

Uchenna has been in the international wilderness since making his Super Eagles debut in a friendly against Mexico in 2021. 

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: crvenazvezdafk.com