Weekend Update: Nigerians In The English Premier League

By Arinze Ude. In the early kickoff on Saturday afternoon, Victor Anichebe helped Everton beat Swansea City away from home. The Nigerian International striker scored the opening goal of the game before Belgians, Kevin Mirallas and Marouane Fellaini scored the secure a 3nil win for the Merseyside club. Mikel Obi John started Chelsea’s game with Stoke City at Stamford Bridge, aiming to silence critics after he was racially abused on Twitter for giving the ball away in their Champions League fixture against Juventus which led to the visitor’s equaliser; this prompted the midfielder to close his Twitter account. On Saturday, he gave a good account of himself going close to scoring his first Premier League goal in 158 matches (an EPL record) but was denied by Begovic. He was replaced by Frank Lampard with 15-20minutes left to play. Victor Moses came on as a substitute for Eden Hazard as Chelsea tried to break down a resolute Stoke City defence. Ashley Cole finally got the only goal of the game for Chelsea. Peter Osaze Odemiwigie started his three match ban for his red card against Fulham last week. Romelu Lukaku scored the only goal of the game as West Brom beat Reading at the Hawthorns. In the absence of on-loan striker Andy Carroll, Carlton Cole started West Ham’s game against Sunderland. Steven Fletcher scored the opening goal of the game before West Ham United captain, Kevin Nolan scored a last minute equaliser to secure a draw for the host. Newcastle United’s Nigerian duo, Shola and Sammy Ameobi were missing in the starting line up for their match against Norwich City at Sports Direct Arena on Sunday, the match ended 1nil, with Senegalese lanky striker, Demba Ba scoring the only goal of the game.   OTHER NOTABLE MENTIONS Obafemi Martins scored on his debut for Spanish Madrid based outfit, Levante against Real Sociedad. With the match headed for a 1-all draw until Martins popped up to score a 86th minute winner for the hosts. Nigerian midfielder Nosa Igiebor came on as a late substitute in his club’s (Real Betis) 1 nil win against Espanyol.