Allnigeriasoccer.com provides a round-up of the semifinal matches in the UEFA Europa League and Conference League that featured players who are eligible to play for Nigeria.

At the City Ground, Super Eagles right-back Ola Aina was named in the starting lineup as Nottingham Forest defeated Aston Villa 1-0.

A confidently taken penalty in the 71st minute sealed victory for the Reds as New Zealand captain Chris Wood stepped up to convert from the spot after Lucas Digne handled the ball inside the area.

With fifteen minutes remaining, Ola Aina went down in visible discomfort and, after receiving treatment on the pitch, was forced off and replaced by Zach Abbott.

Elsewhere, at the Estádio Municipal de Braga, Nigeria target Noah Atubolu played the full game as Freiburg were beaten 2-1 by Sporting Braga. 

Braga made the brighter start and took an early lead through Demir Ege Tıknaz, who reacted quickest in the box in the 8th minute, but the Bundesliga side restored parity via Vincenzo Grifo eight minutes later.

Mario Dorgeles netted a dramatic winner two minutes into second-half stoppage time with a composed left-footed finish from close range.

Switzerland U21 international of Nigerian descent Bruno Ogbus was an unused substitute for Freiburg.

In the Europa Conference League, Rayo Vallecano have a one-goal lead before their second leg clash with Strasbourg, thanks to Alemão's headed goal in the 54th minute.

Two-cap Poland international Maxi Oyedele, who is also eligible for Nigeria, came off the bench to replace Samir El Mourabet in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Two minutes later, the Manchester United academy graduate was cautioned for a foul on Pep Chavarría.

Promising forward Prosper Obah was an unused substitute as Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk suffered a 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at the Municipal Henryk Reyman’s Stadium in Krakow.

A 21-second strike from Crystal Palace star Ismaïla Sarr saw the Senegalese set a new Conference League record for the fastest goal, surpassing the previous 32-second mark held by Ferdy Druijf for SK Rapid Wien.

In the second half, Oleg Ocheretko converted from close range to restore parity at 1–1, but strikes from Daichi Kamada and Jørgen Strand Larsen ensured the Eagles maintained a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg at Selhurst Park.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel