TheCable

After a weekend of high drama, exciting comebacks and fabulous goals, TheCable picks the best Nigerian XI.

The team of the week is set up in a 3-4-3 formation.

In goal post, usual suspect Daniel Akpeyi gets the nod as a result of his heroics in Kaizer Chiefs’ win over Cape Town City.

Fatai Osho of Enyimba FC is the gaffer in charge of the team.

Daniel Akpeyi [Kaizer Chiefs]

Chiefs continued their good run thanks to their 32-year-old net minder. He came and won all Cape Town’s crosses and showed what a good ‘keeper can bring to a team. Influential.

Osaze Urhoghide [Sheffield Wednesday]

He was always a big trouble to Leeds United with his probing down the right flank. Osaze put in a fine display in the 2-0 win. Determined.

Chidozie Awaziem [Leganes]

Always provided safety in front of his goalkeeper, he marked the opponents out of the game. When heading home his goal, he leapt like a salmon twisting and spinning as if he was dodging a Brown bear in an Alaskan river. Dominant.

William Troost-Ekong [Udinese]

As always, he led from the centre and nullified any connection between the visitors’ forward line and midfield. Always in position to read the game well and made his interventions telling with the balance to intercept left or right. Commanding.

Ola Aina [Torino]

Stayed back in defence when needed but when the occasion arose, he bolted forward releasing the pressure as an outlet on the left flank while showing incredible fitness and energy. Prominent.

Anderson Esiti [PAOK]

Played in midfield then switched into defence and started causing problems. Impressive.

Joe Aribo [Rangers]

The versatile Nigeria was easily Man of the Match with his sheer resourcefulness and energy. He made life difficult for the opposition. Persistent.

Moses Simon [Nantes]

Simply outstanding, popping up everywhere with several goal-scoring attempts. He was always a difficult opponent every time he got hold of the ball. He set up a goal in the win at St Etienne. Dazzling.

Samuel Chukwueze [Villarreal]

Wore out Orihuela defender with his energy and ran riot. Antagonistic.

Stephen Odey [Genk]

Stephen Odey was on target for Genk in their 2-1 victory over Ferencvaros. The former MFM striker got the decisive goal with five minutes to the end of the game.

Stanley Dimgba [Enyimba]

The winger did not waste a shot and scored a well-deserved hat trick for Enyimba over the weekend. Outstanding.