By Nurudeen Obalola
There were victories for three Super Eagles stars across Europe on Tuesday night, with Samuel Chukwueze and Nathan Tella scoring for AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, while Wilfred Ndidi played a pivotal role for Leicester City.
Chukwueze struck twice at San Siro as Milan decimated second-tier Sassuolo 6-1 in their third-round Coppa Italia clash.
The Super Eagles winger opened the scoring in the 12th minute off Tijjani Reijnders’ assist, needing two attempts to get the ball in the net.
Making his eighth start in all competitions this season, Chukwueze netted again nine minutes later to make it 3-0, after Reijnders had doubled Milan’s lead.
Chukwueze has now registered three goals and one assist in 17 appearances in all competitions for Milan this season.
Davide Calabria, Rafael Leao and Tammy Abraham scored the other goals to complete the rout of the side relegated from Serie A last season.
In Germany, Tella netted the only goal as Bayer Leverkusen edged past 10-man Bayern Munich 1-0 in their DFB-Pokal round of 16 encounter.
With Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer sent off early for committing a foul outside his area, Leverkusen took full advantage at the Allianz Arena, with Tella coming off the bench to head home the winner in the 69th minute.
It is the Super Eagles winger’s first goal in all competitions this season from 15 appearances, while his compatriot Victor Boniface missed the clash due to injury.
In England, Ndidi was not on the score sheet but he starred in a deeper midfield role as Leicester City defeated West Ham 3-1 at the King Power Stadium to hand new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy victory in his first game in charge.
Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannous and substitute Patson Daka all scored to take Leicester four points clear of the drop zone, and two points behind West Ham.
Ndidi was one of Leicester City’s standout players, winning 15 of 19 duels and making 11 clearances, two interceptions and nine tackles.
