Nigerians Abroad: Idowu’s Late Winner Lifts Russia’s Khimki

It has been a brilliant Sunday afternoon for two Nigeria internationals who played crucial roles in leading their clubs to victories in Russia and Italy.

Super Eagles defender Bryan Idowu continued his scoring run with his second goal in as many league matches to help Khimki claim an impressive 2-0 win over Rostov at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-na-Donu.

With the game edging towards a stalemate, Russian forward Reziuan Mirzov opened the scoring one minute into injury time before left-back Idowu sealed the victory with a fine effort three minutes later.

Idowu, last weekend, was also among the goalscorers when Khimki lost 2-3 at home to Victor Moses’ Spartak Moscow. The defender is currently on a season-long loan from Lokomotiv Moscow.

In Italy, Victor Osimhen was again a lively attacking reference point for Napoli as Gennaro Gattuso’s men fashioned out a 2-1 win at Benevento.

The newly-promoted home side drew first blood through Roberto Insigne on the half-hour mark but two second-half goals from Lorenzo Insigne and substitute Andrea Petagna turned the encounter in the visitors’ favour.

It’s an expected return to winning ways for the Naples-based club after falling to a shock 1-0 home loss to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday.