By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
Nigerian players were at the heart of a dramatic UEFA Europa League night as Nottingham Forest, Genk and Ferencváros sealed knockout qualification, while Viktoria Plzeň and Red Star Belgrade fell short despite spirited efforts.
Forest Survive Fenerbahçe Scare
Nottingham Forest F.C. progressed to the knockout rounds despite a 2-1 home defeat to Fenerbahçe S.K., advancing 4-2 on aggregate.
Super Eagles defender Ola Aina played a decisive role, delivering the assist for Forest’s only goal on the night in the 68th minute. The full-back’s surging run and precise delivery momentarily steadied the hosts after Fenerbahçe threatened to overturn the deficit.
Although Forest were second best for stretches of the encounter, their first-leg advantage proved enough. Aina’s composure in key defensive phases and attacking contribution underlined his growing importance in European competition.
Yira Sor Powers Genk Through Thriller
In Belgium, K.R.C. Genk edged past GNK Dinamo Zagreb in a pulsating tie that ended 6-4 on aggregate following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
Former Flying Eagles winger Yira Sor was instrumental in Genk’s attacking thrust. His direct running repeatedly unsettled Dinamo’s backline, helping create overloads in wide areas during both regular and extra time.
Sor’s relentless pressing and penetration were central to Genk maintaining their aggregate edge in one of the round’s most entertaining contests.
Bamidele Yusuf Inspires Ferencváros Comeback
Nigeria’s Bamidele Yusuf delivered a Man-of-the-Match performance as Ferencvárosi TC defeated PFC Ludogorets Razgrad 2-0 in Budapest.
Ferencváros overturned a 2-1 first-leg loss in Bulgaria to progress on aggregate, with Yusuf assisting the crucial second goal that ultimately decided the tie. His intelligent movement between the lines and accurate final pass capped a commanding display from the winger.
The comeback victory reinforced Ferencváros’ European pedigree and highlighted Yusuf’s growing influence in high-pressure fixtures.
Plzeň and Red Star Exit After Late Drama
Elsewhere, Nigerian midfielder Salim Fago Lawal and FC Viktoria Plzeň bowed out after losing on penalties to Panathinaikos F.C. following a tightly contested tie.
Plzeň pushed the Greek side to the limit, but fortune deserted them in the shootout.
In France, FK Crvena zvezda, commonly known as Red Star Belgrade, were eliminated by Lille OSC after extra time.
Red Star paraded France-based Franklin Tebo as their match winner in earlier rounds, but Lille’s superior depth proved decisive in the extended contest.
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