Five Takeaways From Nigeria Players Performances In Europe Last Weekend

Nigerian players were in action for their various clubs across Europe this past weekend with varying results.

Izuchukwu Okosi picks out five from the lot and highlights the significance of their contributions.

1. Blessing Eleke Is One To Keep An Eye On

FC Luzern played out a 2-2 draw against Grasshoppers on Sunday in the Swiss Super League and it was Nigeria's Blessing Eleke that was the star of the game with a brace for Luzern.

That brought his tally to seven in the league and 11 in all competitions.

There has been talk of the need for good striking backups for Odion Ighalo in the Super Eagles.

Eleke is making name for himself in the Swiss league and deserves to get some consideration from the national team selectors.

2. Onazi Is Too Experienced To Be Discarded In The Eagles - For Now

There has been allegedly a cold war of some sorts between Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and the head coach Gernot Rohr, as well as captain John Mikel Obi.

Onazi may not be the best Nigerian player both home and abroad but if he is in form and committed to playing for Nigeria he should not be discarded at least for now.

Over the weekend, Onazi made the Turkish Team of the Week for his outstanding performance in Trabzonspor's 3-0 win over Konyaspor. His experience is still important for Nigeria.

3. Rohr Must Try Again To Convince Torunarigha

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is desirous to see Nigerian players in diaspora given the opportunity to represent the country.

He has spoken to some players in the top flight teams in Europe and that includes Hertha Berlin's Jordan Torunarigha who made www.whoscored.com's European U-21 Team of the Week following his good showing in his team's 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Nigerian born central defender  who was paired with Genoa's Cristian Romero can be one of the back up options in central defence for Nigeria as the coach needs quality options to the duo of William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun.

4. Uzoho Is Back, But Other Keepers Need Their Chances

Super Eagles first choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho was back from injury and was on duty for La Liga 2 side Elche in their scoreless draw against Sporting Gijon on Sunday.

It was impressively Uzoho's third clean sheet of the season but the good news of his return should not spell bad news for other Nigerian keepers who ought to offer competition for the number one spot in the Super Eagles.

 The 2019 AFCON qualifier against Seychelles and the ensuing friendlies are great opportunities to try out other goalkeepers aside Uzoho and Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

5.Success Needs End Product To Succeed At Watford

Super Eagles striker Isaac Success shows great strength and also creates opportunities for his teammates at Watford. But he needs to score more regularly.

He was a menace for the Everton defence particularly for Yeri Mina on Monday night as his team secured a 2-2 draw against Everton at the Goodison Park.

Although he was substituted off, Success was hugely influential with his energetic play while it lasted but he needs to score more in order to have a truly successful stay at the Vicarage Road.

Success has scored once in 16 Premier League appearances. He has started in seven of those games and played a total of 707 minutes of football thus far.

Izuchukwu Okosi