Pulse Sports highlight the best performances from Nigerian players over the weekend use it to form an XI. 

For this week, three NPFL players are in the XI after their impressive performances on the opening day of the 2019 season. 

Daniel Ariyo (Sunshine Stars/Nigeria)

With the top Super Eagles regular goalkeeper not in action, Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper Daniel Ariyo stands out with his performance for in their 1-1 draw away at Kwara United. Ariyo saved a second-half penalty to earn his side one point away from home. 

Due to the lack of fullback options, a three-man defence has been deployed for this XI. 

Kenneth Omeruo (Leganes/Spain)

The Super Eagles defender returned to Leganes headline and was solid for them as they beat Huesca 1-0 in the La Liga. Omuero has grown to become a very important player for the Spanish club and underlined his importance again with his performance in the game. 

Nelson Ogbonnaya (Enyimba/Nigeria)

Enyimba were not really troubled by MFM FC in an NPFL game at the Enyimba International Stadium where they got a 2-0 win. Ogbonnaya was a rock at the back for the People’s Elephant which put him in this XI. 

Chinedu Sunday (Kano Pillars/Nigeria)

Sunday is another NPFL player in the XI after helping Kano Pillars to a 1-0 win over Heartland. Sunday led the defence well to ensure that his side took all the three points at home. 

Mikel Agu (Setúbal/Portugal)

Wingbacks come with the three-man defence system and Super Eagles midfielder Agu gets this role in this XI. Agu put in a fine performance for Setubal who got a 1-1 away draw at Rio Ave in the Portuguese Primeira Liga. 

Samuel Kalu (Bordeaux/France)

Deployed as a wing-back in this XI, Kalu had a good week, scoring a sumptuous goal for Bordeaux in the Coupe de la Ligue. It didn’t go that well for him in their Ligue 1 loss to Nice on Saturday. 

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City/England) 

In the Premier League, Ndidi continues to impress with Leicester City and scored in their 1-2 loss to Southampton in the Premier League. Ndidi played the whole 90 minutes in the game where he scored his second Premier League goal of the season. 

Michael Babatunde (Wydad Athletic/Morocco) 

Lots of African-based players in this list. Babatunde was impressive for Wydad Athletic in their Friday CAF Champions League 5-2 win over ASEC Mimosa. 

The Nigerian midfielder scored one in the big win for Wydad Athletic.

Sodiq Fatai (Pacos Ferreira/Portugal) 

Nigerian forward Fatai was one of the standout players for Pacos Ferreira, setting up two goals in their 3-0 away win against CD Cova Piedade in the Portuguese Division 2. 

Alex Iwobi (Arsenal/England)

Just like Ndidi, Iwobi was on the losing side as his club Arsenal were beaten 1-0 away at West Ham. Iwobi didn’t have an entirely good day in the office but no Nigerian player in this position fared better than him this weekend. 

Onyekachi Silas (Gil Vicente/Portugal)

In the Portuguese Division 3, Nigerian youngster Onyekachi Silas got a goal for Gil Vicente who beat Limianous 2-0.