UEL Wrap: Iwobi Not In 18, Akpom Benched, Gero Scores, Ubong Assists, Lookman Almost Scores

Catch up on the performances of players of Nigerian descent in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, October 19.

It was end-to-end action at the Jämtkraft Arena as FK Ostersunds and Athletic Club battled for supremacy in a tension-packed 2-2 turn out.

Alhaji Gero started and got on the scoresheet to pull his side level after they had fell behind to an Aritz Aduriz
opener, the 24-year-old was booked in the 72nd minute for his troubles.

In the other Group J fixture,Ukrainian side, Zorya pulled off a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Hertha Berlin to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the round of 32.

German-Nigerian defender Jordan Torunarigha was an unused substitute for the entirety of the match.

Konyaspor fell to a disappointing 2-0 home defeat to group pace-setters Red Bull Salzburg with Moanes Dabour and Fredrik Gulbrandsen grabbing the goals.

Patrick Eze started for the hosts but was replaced in 62nd minute after an ineffectual display while fellow countryman, Imoh Ezekiel came on for action fourteen minutes from time.

Chuba Akpom watched on from the bench as his Arsenal side limped to a 1-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in Austria. Teammate Alex Iwobi wasn't in 18 for this one.

Oliver Giroud's late acrobatic effort helped the Gunners establish a more complex stronghold in Group H.

John Ogu and Anthony Nwakaeme could not help their Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva avoid another 2-1 defeat at home to Steaua Bucharest.

The former was substituted in the 30th minute due to an undisclosed injury while the later went the duration of the game but failed to add to his solitary goal in the competition.

Harlem Gnohéré hit a second half brace to down their hosts while ex-Barclona striker,Isaac Cuena scored a consolation for the Israeli champions.

Zulte-Waregem and Vitesse shared spoils in a Group K showdown as they both maintained their bottom positions in the group log.

Peter Olayinka started for the hosts and logged ninety while teammate,Kinglsey Madu stayed on the bench for the entirety of the game. Aliko Bala was conspicuously missing from the matchday squad.

Over to Albania and it was an all square result as Skënderbeu Korçë  and Partizan Belgrade toiled to a 0-0 stalemate in Group B.

James Adeniyi was on parade for The Snow Wolves over the course of the ninety.

In Group F, FK Zlin and FC Copenhagen played out a one apiece draw at the Létna Stadion.

Nigerian midfielder, Ubong Moses started the game and set up Diop for the curtain raiser. Peter Ankersen equalised for
the Danish side.

Lastly, Everton's shambolic displays this season continued as they fell to another defeat to Lyon at Goodison Park.

Ex-Chelsea striker Bertrand Traore broke the Toffees hearts with a late winner after Ashley Williams' headed effort had looked to salvage a point for the Merseyside club.

Nabil Fekir's penalty goal had earlier put the visitors in front albeit in a game which threatened to be marred by controversies.

England U21 star Ademola Lookman came on after the break for Everton and almost scored but Lopes managed to save his effort.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : evertonfc.com