Nigerian football stars were heavily involved in the matches played over the weekend and it was mixed feelings for some of them.

It was a busy weekend across Europe as Nigerian stars got involved in action with their respective clubs.

The Premier League had Super Eagles stars battled it out in the relegation tussle on the last matchday of the season.

The Flying Eagles also played their final group game at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup as their round of 16 opponents emerged.

Here are five things that happened to Nigerian stars over the weekend

1. Ndidi and Iheanacho relegated with Leicester City

Despite producing a decent performance in the last day game against West Ham at the King Power stadium, the result at Everton dampened the hopes of the Foxes.

Leicester who won the Premier League in 2015 and the FA Cup two years ago have been relegated to play in the Championship next season.

Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho’s future at the club are uncertain as the duo will be seeking topflight football next season with another club.

2. Alex Iwobi stays in the Premier League
While Ndidi and Iheanacho were relegated, their Super Eagles teammate Alex Iwobi was in rapturous celebration with Evertonians as they survived the drop.

The Toffees needed just a win and they got it against visiting Bournemouth courtesy of a goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure.

3. Flying Eagles lose first game at U20 World Cup

The Nigeria U20 side suffered their first defeat of the FIFA U20 World Cup at the hands of Brazil.

Two first half goals in succession saw the Brazilian side go top of the group as Ladan Bosso’s men slipped to third.

The Flying Eagles now have a daunting task when they face tournament hosts Argentina who have been breezing past their opponents in all of their group games.

4. Victor Osimhen set to finish as Serie A topscorer
Osimhen returned to scoring form as he netted a brace in Napoli's 2-2 draw at Bologna, taking his tally to 25 in the league.

The Nigerian striker would likely finish as Serie A top marksman ahead of Latauro Martinez of Inter Milan who is four goals behind.

5. Taiwo Awoniyo ends season on a high
After scoring the goal that secured Nottingham Forest’s place in the Premier League against Arsenal, Awoniyi was on target again in his side’s 1-1 at Crystal Palace.

The Super Eagles latched onto a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White and had much to do to score a brilliant individual goal and end the season as Forest’s topscorer.

Source: Pulse Sports

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/5-big-things-that-happened-to-nigerian-football-stars-over-the-weekend-2023052909240348125