The UEFA Europa League<\/a> and Europa Conference League quarterfinal second legs delivered drama across Europe on Thursday night \u2013 but it proved a bitter evening for several Nigerian footballers, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports<\/strong>.<\/p>\n At the San Mam\u00e9s, Leon Balogun<\/a> and Cyriel Dessers started for Rangers<\/a> but were unable to help the Scottish side avoid elimination from the Europa League.<\/p>\n Rangers fell 2-0 to Athletic Bilbao, who progress 2-0 on aggregate following a goalless draw in Glasgow last week.<\/p>\n Oihan Sancet opened the scoring from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time after John Souttar drew a foul in the box.<\/p>\n Nico Williams then sealed the win in the 80th minute, heading home Oscar de Marcos\u2019 cross.<\/p>\n Both Balogun and Dessers received yellow cards in the first half as Rangers\u2019 European hopes came to a disappointing end.<\/p>\n READ MORE\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Over in Rome, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru<\/a> watched from the bench as Lazio<\/a> mounted a spirited fightback against Bodo\/Glimt.<\/p>\n Trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Norway, Lazio levelled the tie in regulation time with a dramatic late goal in the 93rd minute to force extra time.<\/p>\n The Italians edged ahead 3-2 on aggregate before Bodo\/Glimt responded to draw level again. The Norwegian side ultimately triumphed 3-2 on penalties, thanks to two crucial saves by goalkeeper Nikita Haikin.<\/p>\n In the Europa Conference League, Tosin Adarabioyo featured at centre-back for Chelsea, who fell 2-1 at home to Legia Warszawa.<\/p>\n Goals from Steve Kapuadi and Tomas Pekhart overturned Marc Cucurella\u2019s first-half strike.<\/p>\n However, Chelsea\u2019s 3-0 win in the first leg in Warsaw ensured they progressed with a 4-2 aggregate scoreline.<\/p>\n Adarabioyo, who remains on the radar of Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, will hope for better defensive cohesion in the semifinals.<\/p>\n Legia fielded 20-year-old midfielder Rotimi Oyedele, a Poland international of Nigerian heritage, who impressed in midfield.<\/p>\n Among those still flying the flag as a Nigerian descent in Europe is Tottenham Hotspur\u2019s Dominic Solanke.<\/p>\n The striker was the hero in Frankfurt, scoring the only goal from the penalty spot in a 1-0 win over Eintracht that secured Spurs\u2019 passage to the Europa League semifinals with a 2-1 aggregate win.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, Michael Folorunsho \u2013 now capped by Italy but formerly eligible for Nigeria \u2013 played all 90 minutes as Fiorentina edged out Slovenian side Celje. A 2-2 draw in Florence followed a 2-1 away win last week, sealing a 4-3 aggregate victory for the Italian club.<\/p>\n And in arguably the most thrilling match of the round, Manchester United outlasted Lyon in a stunning Europa League tie.<\/p>\n Danish-Nigerian full-back Patrick Dorgu was involved as United came from 4-2 down in extra time to win 5-4 on the night \u2013 7-6 on aggregate \u2013 after the first leg had ended 2-2 in France.<\/p>\n Overall, while many Nigerian internationals bowed out, a number of players with Nigerian roots remain in contention for European silverware.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/03\/GlOTRT2WIAAphra.jpeg\")
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