Taiwo Awoniyi, Maduka Okoye and the Nigerian Players Battling Relegation in Europe This Season

Taiwo Awoniyi, Maduka Okoye and the Nigerian Players Battling Relegation in Europe This Season

Ero Samson
updated at April 28, 2024 at 12:09 PM
In this article:
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
Taiwo Awoniyi logo
T. Awoniyi
Nottingham Forest logoFNigeria logo
Ola Aina logo
O. Aina
Nottingham Forest logoDNigeria logo
Nottingham Forest logo
Nottingham Forest
England
35
English Premier League logo
ENG Premier League
England
Gabriel Osho logo
G. Osho
AJ Auxerre logoDEngland logo
Elijah Adebayo logo
E. Adebayo
Luton Town logoFEngland logo
Luton Town logo
Luton Town
England
38
Maduka Okoye logo
M. Okoye
Udinese logoGNigeria logo
Isaac Success logo
S. Isaac
Udinese logoFNigeria logo
Kingsley Ehizibue logo
K. Ehizibue
Udinese logoDNetherlands logo
Udinese logo
Udinese
Italy
42
Italian Serie A logo
ITA Serie A
Italy
  • Several Nigerian footballers have faced adversity through the 2023/24 football season
  • A flurry of Super Eagles players are fighting tooth and nail to avoid the relegation drop
  • Sports Brief spotlights Nigerian players across Europe who could be relegated this season

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As the 2023-24 football season nears its conclusion, a group of Nigerian players competing in Europe find themselves embroiled in intense battles to avoid relegation with their clubs.

As many as seven Nigerian players are currently facing the threat of relegation from top-tier football in Europe's premier leagues.

With the final run of fixtures in their respective leagues approaching, these players are fully focused on a single objective: staying clear of relegation.

Nigeria, Maduka Okoye, Serie A, relagation, Inter, Udinese
Maduka Okoye reacts after conceding a late goal in the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale at the Blue Energy Stadium on April 08. Image: Timothy Rogers.
Source: Getty Images

In recognition of this formidable challenge, Sports Brief highlights a selection of Nigerian players fighting to avoid relegation with their European clubs.

Nigerian players battling relegation in Europe

Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi [Nottingham Forest]

The Nigerian duo, along with their Nottingham Forest teammates, are confronted with the looming threat of relegation as the English Premier League season heads into its final stretch.

Despite Awoniyi's goals and Aina's versatility, Nottingham Forest have struggled to pull themselves clear of the relegation zone. The four-point deduction they incurred during the season did little to help their cause.

Their remaining fixtures include daunting clashes against relegation rivals Burnley and top European contender Chelsea, setting the stage for a challenging end to their campaign.

Gabriel Osho and Elijah Adebayo [Luton Town]

Luton Town's dream of Premier League football appears to be fading fast after just one season in the English top flight.

The Hatters are at risk of relegation, as they currently sit in 18th place with only three games remaining in the campaign.

The injuries to Nigerian duo, Elijah Adebayo—who has been a prolific goal scorer for the club—and Gabriel Osho—who has been a defensive stalwart for Rob Edwards' side—have sadly compounded their troubles.

Despite this, Luton Town still are still with a fighting chance to secure their place in the top flight next season, and they will undoubtedly be giving their all to achieve that goal.

Maduka Okoye, Isaac Success, and Kingsley Ehizibue [Udinese]

The Nigerian trio finds themselves embroiled in a tough relegation battle in the Italian Serie A. Udinese are currently just three points above the relegation zone, and their new manager, Fabio Cannavaro, will be relying on the Nigerians to help navigate through the remaining fixtures and secure their place in Serie A for next season.

Nigerian players on the verge of winning titles

In another report, Sports Brief compiled a list of Nigerian players who are on the verge of winning silverware this season.

The list includes Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, among others. The Leicester City duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi also featured on the list.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).