Europa League: Samuel Chukwueze grabs assist as Villarreal progresses to the semifinals, but Peter Olayinka was quiet against Arsenal
The 2020/2021 Europa League's quarterfinals were concluded on Thursday, April 15, with some Nigerian players in action.
This is a review of their performance.
Chukwueze shines
Samuel Chukwueze had a lively appearance as Villarreal beat Dinamo Zagreb 2-1 to seal progress to the semifinals.
Chukwueze was good in the first half rattling the post with a fierce shot from inside the box and creating Villarreal's opener.
He made a fine run inside the opposition box that saw him receive a defence-splitting pass before squaring for Paco Alcacer to finish inside an empty net.
Chukwueze was initially flagged offside in the build-up, but the goal was allowed to stand following a VAR check.
The Nigeria international had a couple of other good moments in the game and was unlucky not to have scored a goal.
He hit the woodwork again with a left-footed shot from the right of the box and in the 80th minute, he forced the Dinamo goalkeeper to a fantastic save.
Also, in that game, Nigerian forward Believe Atiemwen made an appearance for Dinamo in the 76th minute of the game but could not spur a comeback for his side.
Olayinka underwhelms against Arsenal
After getting a 1-1 draw away at Arsenal, Peter Olayinka's Slavia Prague were blown away by the Premier League giants.
Olayinka did nothing of note in that game as Arsenal's defence shut him out.