TWO Nigerian players, Victor Osimhen and Isaac Success, were on the scoresheet tonight and another one, Maduka Okoye, was in goal as Udinese and Napoli played a 1-1 draw in their Serie A clash at the Stadio Friuli.
Meanwhile, in England, two players of Nigerian descent, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, were in brilliant form tonight to steer Crystal Palace to a 4-0 victory over Manchester United at Selhurst Park.
Back in Italy, Super Eagles striker Osimhen netted his 15th goal of the season in his 23rd Serie A appearance to give Napoli the lead six minutes into the second half.
Udinese, desperate for points to avoid relegation, brought Success on two minutes after they went behind and the move eventually paid off.
The 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner with Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets pulled Udinese level in stoppage time with his first goal of the season, firing home from close range after Napoli failed to clear their lines.
Super Eagles goalkeeper Okoye had a fine game after making his 18th consecutive Serie A appearance after being benched for the first 17 matches.
Udinese are deep in relegation waters, languishing in 18th spot, two points from safety with three matches to go.
On their part, last season’s champions Napoli are eighth, nine points adrift of sixth-placed Roma, who occupy the UEFA Europa Conference League position.
In England, Olise scored twice and Eze was a brilliant creative force as Palace recorded their biggest ever English Premier League victory over Manchester United.
Manchester United have now conceded 81 goals in all competitions this season, their most in a single campaign since 1976/1977 (also 81), and have lost a record 13 Premier League matches this season as they stay in eighth place.
