Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi were the Super Eagles stars that carried the Nigerian flag high on Wednesday night, both finding the net in the Europa League as Celtic and OGC Nice battled contrasting fortunes.
For the third straight game, Kelechi Iheanacho came off the bench and made the difference for Celtic.
Iheanacho’s Breakthrough Keeps Celtic Alive
The Nigerian forward struck in the 56th minute against Red Star Belgrade, coolly finishing Benjamin Nygren’s pass into the top corner to hand the Scottish champions a temporary lead.
It was a sharp reminder of Iheanacho’s finishing instincts, which deserted him during his brief stint at Sevilla.
His goal, celebrated in front of the travelling Celtic fans, marked his second strike in just three matches.
Yet Celtic’s joy was short-lived. Nine minutes later, fellow Nigerian Franklin Uchenna assisted Marko Arnautović for the equaliser, ensuring the Hoops’ long wait for a European away victory continued.
Still, Iheanacho’s lively display shows his potential to be a decisive figure in Celtic’s European push.
Moffi’s Penalty Not Enough for Nice
In France, Terem Moffi once again proved to be OGC Nice’s lifeline. The striker converted a late penalty to halve the deficit against AS Roma, but his effort could not prevent a 2-1 home defeat.
Moffi, who also scored against Brest in Ligue 1 last weekend, has now netted in back-to-back games.
His composure from the spot briefly lifted the Allianz Riviera crowd, but Roma’s earlier strikes from Evan Ndicka and Gianluca Mancini punished Nice’s defensive lapses.
Despite Moffi’s contribution, Les Aiglons’ struggles in Europe continue, with the club now winless in 13 continental matches.
If Nice are to revive their campaign, much will obviously rest on the Nigerian international’s ability to deliver in decisive moments.
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