{"id":834649,"date":"2025-03-17T10:12:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T15:12:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/17\/nigerians-abroad-uche-shines-but-sees-red-in-spain-as-bassey-ogbu-impress-before-rwanda-trip\/"},"modified":"2025-03-17T10:12:05","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T15:12:05","slug":"nigerians-abroad-uche-shines-but-sees-red-in-spain-as-bassey-ogbu-impress-before-rwanda-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/17\/nigerians-abroad-uche-shines-but-sees-red-in-spain-as-bassey-ogbu-impress-before-rwanda-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Nigerians abroad: Uche shines but sees red in Spain as Bassey, Ogbu impress before Rwanda trip"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Soccer <\/p>\n<div>\n<p><strong>As the international break approaches, several Nigerian players delivered standout performances for their clubs across Europe and beyond, <a href=\"https:\/\/Soccernet.ng\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>While some made crucial contributions, others endured frustrating outings. Here\u2019s a roundup of how they fared before heading off for Nigeria\u2019s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n<h2>Soccer England: Iwobi &#038; Bassey shine as Fulham stun Spurs<\/h2>\n<p>In the Premier League, Alex Iwobi played a key role in Fulham\u2019s attack, while Calvin Bassey was rock-solid in defence as the Cottagers secured a brilliant 2-0 victory over Tottenham at Craven Cottage.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_147316\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-147316\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/imago1057356536-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles and Fulham star Alex Iwobi\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-147316\">Nigeria\u2019s Alex Iwobi of Fulham. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Both players are now en route to Kigali, where Nigeria\u2019s Super Eagles camp has opened ahead of their World Cup qualifiers.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fulham 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League Highlights\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/V33l0JkCZCc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h5><a href=\"https:\/\/www.whatsapp.com\/channel\/0029VagMHLcA89MZvw0Btc21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Get Our Sports News First \u2013 Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!<\/a><\/h5>\n<p>However, Wilfred Ndidi will be travelling with disappointment after Leicester City suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Manchester United in the Championship.<\/p>\n<h2>Soccer Spain: Uche assists, then sees red<\/h2>\n<p>In La Liga, Christantus Uche, who is on the radar of Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle, played a decisive role in Getafe\u2019s 2-1 away win at Osasuna.<\/p>\n<p>The 21-year-old midfielder provided a crucial assist for Ramon Terrats\u2019 winning goal in the 71st minute. Terrats, who bagged a brace, had earlier equalised for Getafe after Osasuna\u2019s Ante Budimir had put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot in the firsthalf.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_145532\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-145532\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2024\/12\/imago1053488092-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria and Getafe rising star Chrisantus Uche. Photo by IMAGO\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-145532\">Nigeria and Getafe rising star Chrisantus Uche. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>However, Uche\u2019s evening took a dramatic turn when he received two yellow cards in two minutes, leading to his dismissal in the 77th minute.<\/p>\n<p>His first booking came for simulation in the box, and moments later, he was shown a second yellow for a late challenge. It is his first La Liga red card, although, he now has seven yellow cards to his name.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the setback, Uche has had an impressive maiden campaign in Spain, registering three goals and three assists in 27 league appearances.<\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams, both overlooked for Nigeria\u2019s squad for the qualifiers, featured in Sevilla\u2019s 1-0 home loss to Athletic Bilbao.<\/p>\n<h2>Soccer Italy: Lookman &#038; Atalanta stumble against Inter<\/h2>\n<p>In Serie A, Ademola Lookman and his Atalanta teammates saw their Scudetto dreams take a significant hit after suffering a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Inter Milan.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the loss, Lookman remains one of Nigeria\u2019s key attacking threats for the upcoming qualifiers.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_152010\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-152010\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GkfkNU2WkAAy2Hu.jpeg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman. Photo Credit X\" width=\"1247\" height=\"1247\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-152010\">Nigeria Super Eagles and Atalanta star Ademola Lookman. Photo Credit X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Soccer Germany: Boniface inspires Leverkusen fightback<\/h2>\n<p>Victor Boniface came off the bench to help Bayer Leverkusen pull off a thrilling 4-3 comeback win at Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.<\/p>\n<p>His return is a timely boost for both his club and country, with Nigeria counting on his firepower against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_149049\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-149049\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/imago1053633462-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1594\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-149049\">Super Eagles star Victor Boniface, Bayer Leverkusen. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Soccer Czech Republic: Nigeria\u2019s Ogbu nets for Slavia Prague<\/h2>\n<p>New Super Eagles call-up Igoh Ogbu marked his invitation in style by scoring the opening goal for Slavia Prague in a 3-0 victory over Jablonec.<\/p>\n<blockquote data-media-max-width=\"560\">\n<p>Kde se tam vzal, nev\u00edme, ale poradil si fantasticky. Po tref\u011b Igoha Ogbua z 9. minuty vedeme. \u200d\u2642\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ld0x6X3lTP\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/ld0x6X3lTP<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 SK Slavia Praha (@slaviaofficial) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/slaviaofficial\/status\/1901331066188706017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">March 16, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>The defender, who has been impressive this season, notched his second league goal of the campaign, helping his side maintain a 13-point lead at the top of the Czech league.<\/p>\n<h2>Soccer Scotland: Balogun &#038; Dessers help Rangers stun Celtic<\/h2>\n<p>Though overlooked for international duty, Leon Balogun and Cyriel Dessers were instrumental in Rangers\u2019 thrilling 3-2 victory over league leaders Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_152662\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-152662\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GlYNDgGXQAA-GqW.jpeg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles and Rangers FC striker Cyriel Dessers. Photo Credit X\" width=\"620\" height=\"680\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-152662\">Nigeria Super Eagles and Rangers FC striker Cyriel Dessers. Photo Credit X<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Soccer Turkey: Osayi-Samuel &#038; Fenerbahce drop points<\/h2>\n<p>Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel featured as a second-half substitute in Fenerbahce\u2019s goalless draw with Samsunspor.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_149039\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-149039\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/01\/imago1053068257-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria and Fenerbahce star Bright Osayi-Samuel.\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1745\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-149039\">Nigeria and Fenerbahce star Bright Osayi-Samuel. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The dropped points leave them nine behind league leaders Galatasaray, where Victor Osimhen is aiming to help the Lions retain the Turkish title. Osimhen is among the first players to arrive in Nigeria\u2019s training camp in Kigali.<\/p>\n<h2>Soccer United States: Oshoala &#038; Awaziem impress in MLS &#038; NWSL<\/h2>\n<p>In the NWSL, Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala featured for Bay FC in their 1-1 draw at Utah Royals in the league\u2019s opening weekend.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_151116\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-151116\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/02\/imago1039548468-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Soccer Nigeria Super Eagles and Colorado Rapids defender Chidozie Awaziem. Photo by IMAGO\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1703\"  ><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-151116\">Nigeria Super Eagles and Colorado Rapids defender Chidozie Awaziem. Photo by IMAGO<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Meanwhile, in Major League Soccer, Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem delivered a strong performance at the heart of Colorado Rapids\u2019 defence as they secured an impressive 2-1 away win over SJ Earthquakes.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/2025\/03\/nigerians-uche-bassey-ogbu.html\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a>Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Soccer As the international break approaches, several Nigerian players delivered standout performances for their clubs across Europe and beyond, Soccernet.ng reports. While some made crucial contributions, others endured frustrating outings. Here\u2019s a roundup of how they fared before heading off for Nigeria\u2019s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. Soccer England: Iwobi &#038; Bassey shine [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":834650,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[91888,39961,2005],"tags":[91887,89657],"class_list":{"0":"post-834649","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-abroad","8":"category-nigerians","9":"category-soccer","10":"tag-abroad","11":"tag-nigerians"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834649","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=834649"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/834649\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/834650"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=834649"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=834649"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=834649"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}