Not less than 6 clubs are expected to feature Nigerians in the course of the round of 16 of 2023/24 UEFA Europa League (UEL) according to data obtained from Transfermarkt. Interestingly, one of these outfits will be using three players from the West African country. Which club is it and who are the Nigerians involved?
Ogbu Igoh
The only club that is expected to use up to 3 Nigerian players in the round of 16 of the competition is Slavia Prague from Czech Republic. The oldest among the trio is Ogbu Igoh who is currently 24 years old. This defender joined the club January, 2023. However, he made his Europa League debut with a bang 8 months later. This was in the clash with Servette FC when he netted once. Despite being a defender, the former Nigeria U-20 international scored two goals in 6 Group G matches. He will be expected in action when his club visits Milan later today.
The second Nigerian in the squad is Muhamed Tijani who joined the club last summer. Coincidentally, this striker made the first UEL appearance of his career on the same day as Igoh. However, he only played for 38 minutes in the clash. This 23-year-old forward has played in 3 games so far in the competition but he came in as substitute in all. This has not prevented from scoring as he is credited with one strike ahead of the round of 16 encounter with AC Milan.
Boluwatife Ogungbayi is the next man in this category. This 19-year-old player is one of the 6 African teenagers that have featured in the 2023/24 edition of UEL. It should be noted that he only appeared in one match in the group stage. This was in the 6-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol. Though he played as a midfielder for just 25 minutes in the game, Ogungbayi made a goal attempt and completed one cross against the Moldovan side. Interestingly, he may not be in action against Milan in the first leg of the round of 16 as he is currently injured.
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