Nigerian stars Tyronne Ebuehi and Simy Nwankwo were on the scoresheet trail for their respective clubs on Friday, but both were left frustrated as their efforts failed to secure positive results in Italy and Saudi Arabia.
Tyronne Ebuehi inspires early spark in Serie B thriller
Tyronne Ebuehi delivered a strong display for Empoli in their Serie B clash against Frosinone, providing a crucial assist in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The Super Eagles defender made his 12th league appearance of the season and registered his first assist of the campaign.
That contribution takes his total goal involvement to two, having previously scored in a narrow defeat to Palermo earlier in the season.
Empoli started brightly. Steven Shpendi opened the scoring after linking up well with Ebuehi, who played an important role in the build-up.
Shpendi doubled the advantage before the break, giving the visitors firm control of the contest.
However, Frosinone responded before halftime, as Ghedjemis finished calmly to reduce the deficit.
The momentum shifted further in the second half when Koutsoupias struck from close range to make it 2-2.
Empoli pushed for a late winner, but disciplined defending and alert goalkeeping ensured the Serie B encounter ended level.
Ebuehi was substituted in the 67th minute for Antonio Candela after an energetic outing at right-back.
Nwankwo’s goal not enough in Saudi First Division setback
It was almost the same storyline for Simy Nwankwo in the Saudi Arabian First Division League, where his goal could not prevent Al Orobah FC from falling to a 3-1 defeat against Diriyah FC at the SHG Arena.
The experienced striker once again showed his eye for goal, netting in the 66th minute to pull one back for his side.
Despite the loss, Simy Nwankwo continues to enjoy an outstanding campaign, with 19 league goals and 20 goal contributions in just 17 appearances.
Diriyah had taken control earlier in the match. Gaëtan Laborde broke the deadlock in the 40th minute, while Moussa Marega doubled the lead shortly after the restart.
Laborde added his second of the night before Simy Nwankwo reduced the deficit.
The 33-year-old remains the third-highest scorer in the Saudi First Division, just two goals behind Sylla Sow of Abha.
In the end, both Tyronne Ebuehi and Simy Nwankwo delivered moments of quality, but their individual brilliance was not enough to turn strong performances into victories for their teams.