Former Nigerian international forward Odion Ighalo bagged his first assist of the season for his new club, Al-Shabab in the Saudi Arabia Pro-League Monday evening.
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations top scorer came off the bench on 79 minutes for Husain Al Monassa and provided the assist for Cristian Guanca on 90 minutes for Al-Shabab’s third and final goal of the game against Al Ahli.
The result extended Al-Shabab’s lead at the top of the log to 41 points, four more than second placed Al Hilal who have played a game less.
Ighalo has now played four games for Al-Shabab, starting three of the matches. He has scored once and provided one assist. The Nigerian will be seeking for his second goal when his club visits the Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Stadium in Abha to face Damac FC in a matchweek 21 tie this weekend.
In Italy, Simy Nwankwo was subbed on for the third game in a row as his Crotone were annihilated 3-0 by a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Juventus.
The Nigerian was brought on for Adam Ounas in the 72nd minute but was unable to effect any change on the scoreline as his goal drought extended to four games. The gangling forward has scored seven times and provided two assists in 23 Serie A games for Crotone so far this term.
At the Jan-Breydel-Stadion in Brugge, David Okereke was an 89th minute substitute for Tahith Chong in Club Brugge’s 3-0 demolition of Oud-Heverlee. It was the Nigerian’s 15th substitute appearance in 22 games for Club Brugge who extended their lead at the top of the Belgian Jupiler League log to 63 points from 27 games with second placed Antwerp on 48 points from 28 games. Okereke has scored just four times in all competitions so far this term.
In Spain, former Golden Eaglets captain, Kelechi Nwakali made his third consecutive start for his new club, Alcorcon who went, saw and conquered their host, Real Zaragoza 1-0 at the Estadio La Romareda.
The Nigerian joined the Spanish second division outfit on loan on winter transfer deadline day after finding game time difficult to come by at LaLiga Santander side, SD Huesca .The 2015 FIFA World Cup winner has been the inspiration Alcorcon needed after leading the club to two wins in three games and a gradual move towards safety.
In England, Eberechi Eze was on for 90 minutes in Crystal Palace’s last gasp 2-1 win at the Amex stadium against their host, Brighton. It was the Nigeria-born midfielder’s 18th start in 23 games. He has scored thrice and bagged three assists so far in his debut season in the Premier League.