Eagles Tracker: Ilenikhena, Olawoyin shine as Nigerian stars make mark across Europe

Super Eagles prospect George Ilenikhena scored for AS Monaco as they triumphed over Metz with a score of 5-2 in a French Ligue 1 match yesterday.

The 18-year-old forward, who also played midweek for Monaco in the UEFA Champions League, came off the bench in the 68th minute and secured the victory with Monaco’s fifth goal during stoppage time. This result propelled the Principality club to second place in the standings with 12 points from five matches, tied with defending champions PSG, who are set to face Marseille later tonight.

In other news from France, Moses Simon was unable to increase his tally of two league goals as Paris FC experienced a 3-2 home loss to Strasbourg. The winger played for 69 minutes before being substituted in what marked his fifth league appearance of the season.

In Italy, Ademola Lookman made his eagerly awaited return for Atalanta in their 3-0 victory away against Torino. The Nigerian forward entered the match in the 87th minute for Kamaldeen Sulemana, marking his first appearance since a failed summer transfer to Inter Milan. This win elevated Atalanta to fifth place in the Serie A standings with eight points.

Meanwhile, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had a disappointing day as he was forced to leave the field due to injury in the 14th minute of Lazio’s 1-0 home loss to Roma. The Super Eagles midfielder, who was substituted by Reda Belahyane, has now made four appearances this season for the struggling team, which currently sits 13th with only three points.

In Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin registered his first goal of the season in Caykur Rizespor’s 1-1 draw away to Kocaelispor. The winger found the net shortly after halftime in the 46th minute, although the hosts equalized 12 minutes later. Olawoyin has now participated in five matches this season for Rizespor.