Nigerians Abroad: Okoye keeps clean sheet, Osimhen in action for Napoli

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye kept his fifth clean sheet of the season as Sparta Rotterdam played out a goalless draw in their Eredivisie clash against Tyronne Ebuehi’s FC Twente.

The game was Ebuehi’s 18th league appearance of the season, and he was on the pitch from start to finish for the Reds.

However, neither side could find the breakthrough, and they had to share the spoils. Twente could have taken the three points, but they met an inspired Okoye in goal, who made two excellent saves to ensure Sparta earn a point.

Meanwhile, in Italy, Osimhen continued his comeback from injury and coronavirus as he made a second-half appearance in Napoli’s Coppa Italia win over Spezia.

The 22-year-old made his first appearance of the year for Napoli in the 3-1 loss to Hellas Verona last Sunday. But Gennaro Gattuso’s men fared better on Thursday as they moved to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia following a 4-2 victory over Spal.

Kalidou Koulibaly put Napoli ahead inside five minutes before Hirving Lozano doubled the home side advantage in the 20th minute.

Matteo Politano added a third in the 30th minute as Eljif Elmas also got on the act ten minutes later to give Napoli a comfortable lead going into the break.

Although Spal sparked hopes of a miraculous comeback by scoring twice in the second half, Napoli held on to seal a place in the semifinal.