While other players across other leagues will be enjoying the festivities of the Christmas season, some Nigerian footballers will be in action in Boxing Day clashes. PUNCH Sport Extra’s PETER AKINBO takes a look at the Nigerians who will be in action today
Newcastle vs Forest (Aina)
Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest will be keen to bounce back from disappointing results last Saturday, when they faceoff today.
With striker Taiwo Awoniyi still recovering from a groin injury, defender Ola Aina will be the only Nigerian in action for Forest against at St. James’ Park.
Aina has been a key player at the back for the Tricky Trees this season, having played in 12 games in the Premier League, contributing one goal and one assist, while keeping two clean sheets.
The Magpies will be out to avoid a third defeat in four games, after suffering losses to Tottenham and Luton either side of a 3-0 win over Fulham while the Trees are eyeing a first win after losses to the Cottagers and Spurs, while they managed a draw against Wolves.
Bournemouth vs Fulham (Iwobi & Bassey)
Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey will be gunning for a quick recovery against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, after suffering a shock home defeat to Burnley in their last game.
Iwobi and Bassey played all 90 minutes for Fulham, but they could not help them avoid a 2-0 loss against Premier League strugglers Burnley at Craven Cottage.
Fulham had a great start to December, picking big wins against West Ham and Forest, but they were brought back to earth last week following a 3-0 thrashing by Newcastle.
Iwobi has been a consistent performer for Fulham this season in the attacking third, having played 16 games in the English topflight and has found the back of the net three times plus one assist.
Bassey has also been important in defence with three clean sheets in 13 Premier League games as Fulham remain 12th in the Premier League and hope to return to winning ways.
Sheffield vs Luton (Osho & Adebayo)
Luton Town duo Gabriel Osho and Elijah Adebayo are up against Sheffield United in a huge clash at the bottom of the EPL table and both players will be aiming to contribute on their visit to Bramall Lane.
Luton hope to build on a shock 1-0 home win over Newcastle on Saturday, while Sheffield United are also feeling good after earning a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Friday.
The Blades sit 20th on the table and have a miserable minus-31 goal difference, while Luton are in 18th with 12 points, three more than Sheffield United.
Osho and Adebayo have five goals between them and will be keen to get a win to move out of the bottom three.
Ipswich vs Leicester (Ndidi & Iheanacho)
The foxy fellas Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho will be in action for Leicester City against Ipswich Town in a battle of the top two in the Championship at Portman Road.
Ndidi and Iheanacho have been instrumental for Leicester this season with seven goals and six assists between the two, and they will be eager to continue their strong performances in this match against the Tractor Boys.
While Ipswich were smashed 4-0 by third-placed Leeds United last time out, Leicester strode further clear at the summit with a 3-0 home win, extending their advantage to five points.
The last time Leicester faced Ipswich in a league game was back in February 2014, claiming a 3-0 victory on that occasion, on their way to Premier League promotion.
The Foxes have enjoyed plenty of highs and lows between then and now, but recent results suggest the side demoted last term should be back in the big time sooner, rather than later.
West Brom vs Norwich (Ajayi)
Semi Ajayi will be a key figure for West Brom as they take on Norwich in their Boxing Day clash at The Hawthorns. The big defender will be looking to make a significant impact from the backline to help his team secure a positive result.
The Baggies have just dipped a little in terms of performance in their last couple of games and Carlos Corberan admitted his side deserved to be beaten at Middlesbrough on Saturday when they lost 1-0.
Ajayi has five clean sheets, while chipping in two goals and one assist in 15 appearances.
Genk vs Antwerp (Arokodare & Sor vs Yusuf, Ejuke & Ilenikhena)
It is a clash of brothers in Belgium as Genk’s Tolu Arokodare and Yira Sor will come up against Antwerp’s Alhassan Yusuf, Chidera Ejuke and George Ilenikhena. This encounter promises to showcase the talents of these Nigerian players as they compete in the Belgian league.
Antwerp enter the contest unbeaten in their last six games, including a commendable 3-2 win over Barcelona in the Champions League. They sit fifth in the table after their 2-2 defeat to Westerlo in their previous league match.
Home side, Genk, are also in fair form with three wins in their last four games, including a comprehensive 4-0 win over Kortrijk.
Brugge vs Union (Onyedika)
Raphael Onyedika is set to be a part of Club Brugge’s line-up in their home game against Union St. Gilloise at the Jan Breydel Stadium today.
Union are top of the league and have won 15 of their 19 games this season with two draws and two losses while Brugge, on the other hand, are in fourth place with 33 points.
Onyedika’s side could jump to third with a win over USG as they are just two points behind Gent.
With one goal and one assist in all competitins for Brugge this season, the Nigerian midfielder will be aiming to make a positive impact for his team in this important match.
Kortrijk vs Gent (Orban)
Gent’s Gift Orban will be in action as they go head-to-head with Kortrijk at the Guldensporen stadium on Boxing Day.
Orban, who scored the winner in the last game, will be seeking for a repeat performance to help Gent secure a favorable outcome in this contest.
Kortrijk lost 3-0 to Cercle Brugge in their last league match away at Jan Breydel Stadion, while Gent secured a 4-0 win over Leuven in their last game at home at Ghelamco Arena.
Gent have won six of their last 10 games against Kortrijk, with one draw and three Kortrijk wins. The scoreline was 3-2 to Gent at Ghelamco Arena when Kortrijk and Gent last clashed July 20, 2023.
Orban has an impressive tally of 12 goals in 28 matches this season and he will be eyeing another goal as the third-placed Buffalos hope to narrow the gap between them and Anderlecht to just one point with a win.
