Eight Nigerians feature in English League Cup giving some of them their first taste of action this season

EIGHT Nigerians were involved in action yesterday as the English League Cup known as the Carabao Cup got underway last night allowing several players who have not featured so far this season got to witness action for the first time.

At Nottingham Forest, Emmanuel Dennis made his first start for his new club as he debuted in a 3-0 victory against Grimsby Town. In what was a good day in the office for him, Dennis provided an assist for Ryan Yates’ goal in the 18th minute, making an impressive start to his career with the Reds.

Towards the end of the match, the former Watford star was substituted for compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi with 15 minutes to go and the former Union Berlin star played a hand in the third goal of the game. Both Nigerian stars had good displays as The Reds secured a place in the third round of the League Cup.

Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi was again in the mood as Everton defeated Fleetwood Town 1-0 courtesy of goal by Demarai Gray. Iwobi impressed in the game as he not only grabbed the assist for the only goal of the game but also played four key passes in the game, won seven of the nine duels he got involved in and completed three of his four dribbles.

Frank Onyeka also featured in Brentford’s 2-0 victory over League Two side Colchester United in a game that saw manager Thomas Frank hand starting shirts to several debutants. Onyeka, who played the full 90 minutes was cautioned in his first start of the season in the 32nd minutes, however, for foul play.

Leicester City played a 0-0 draw with League Two side Stockport that was eventually settled on penalties. Kelechi Iheanacho featured for the entire duration of that game, with compatriot Wilfred Ndidi sitting it out.

Joe Aribo also came on as a second half substitute in Southampton’s 3-0 victory over Cambridge United. Maduka Okoye was in goal for Watford as they lost 2-0 at Vicarage Road to MK Dons in a match that also featured William Troost-Ekong.