Aina Hurt as Nigerian Stars Have Mixed European Semi-Final Night

It was a night of mixed fortunes for Nigeria’s European contingent.

Ola Aina started and helped Nottingham Forest beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Europa League semi-final, with the only goal coming from a 71st-minute penalty. But with 15 minutes left, the Super Eagles right-back went down in visible discomfort and had to come off. His fitness is now a concern.

Noah Atubolu had a tough one. The Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper played 90 minutes for Freiburg but conceded twice as they fell 2-1 to Sporting Braga in the UEL.

Maxi Oyedele got a brief look — the Manchester United academy graduate came on in the 95th minute for Rayo Vallecano, who beat Strasbourg 1-0 in the Conference League. He picked up a booking almost immediately.

Bruno Ogbus and Prosper Obah stayed on the bench throughout. Obah’s Shakhtar Donetsk were beaten 3-1 by Crystal Palace.