With the deciding second leg semi-final ties of the UEFA Europa and Conference League billed to take place on Thursday (today), a number of Nigerian players will be in action as they hope to help send their teams through to the final at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville (Europa) and the Arena Kombëtare in Tirana (Conference).
Below are some of the country’s stars battling for slots in Europe’s second-tier football competitions finals:
Roma (1) vs Leicester (1)
Ademola Lookman was Leicester City’s saviour as he forced Roma’s Gianluca Mancini into committing an own goal to help his side earn a 1-1 draw at the King Power Stadium last Thursday.
Aside Lookman, who has been impressive in the league, his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho also found his scoring boots in the Foxes’ 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the Premier League.
Marseille (2) vs Feyenoord (3)
Cyriel Dessers (Feyenoord)
Dessers was Feyenoord’s hero in their 3-2 first leg semi-final win over Olympique Marseille in Holland last week and the club will be banking on his incredible performance this campaign to sail through to the final.
The one-cap Super Eagles striker is the top scorer in the competition with 10 goals from 11 games and has been a nightmare for defenders in the competition.
Dessers will be hoping to help his side become the first team to beat Marseille at the Orange Vélodrome in European competition this season.
Rangers (0) vs Leipzig (1)
Aribo, Bassey, Balogun (Rangers)
Nigeria trio Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun are on the back foot for this tie, as Glasgow Rangers trail 1-0 from the first leg in Leipzig.
The Gers had thought the game was heading for a goalless draw but Angelino struck in the 85th minute to help the German side gain an advantage heading into the second leg.
Aribo and Bassey have established themselves as key players in the Rangers squad.
