Nigerians abroad: Boniface’s extra-time winner, Murphy’s Arsenal blow, Nwabali & Olawoyin shine

Nigerian footballers delivered standout performances across Europe on Wednesday night, Soccernet.football reports.

Raphael Onyedika helped Club Brugge knock Tolu Arokodare’s Genk out of the Belgian Cup, Jacob Murphy played a decisive role in Newcastle’s victory over Arsenal, and Victor Boniface emerged as Bayer Leverkusen’s match-winner in Germany.

Belgium: Onyedika’s Brugge edge Arokodare’s Genk

Club Brugge secured a 3-2 aggregate win over Genk in the Belgian Cup semifinals, following a 1-1 draw in the second leg at Cegeka Arena.

Arokodare, who scored in the first leg, was unable to find the net this time, as Onyedika’s Brugge held firm. Both Nigerians played the full 90 minutes. Brugge now await the winner between Antwerp and Anderlecht in the final.

England: Murphy’s early strike sinks Arsenal

Newcastle United booked their place in the Carabao Cup final with a commanding 2-0 second-leg win over Arsenal, sealing a 4-0 aggregate victory.

Former England U21 international of Nigerian descent Jacob Murphy broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a well-taken finish, setting the tone for Newcastle’s dominance.

Arsenal’s 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri was introduced in the first half following Gabriel Martinelli’s injury.

The teenager also with Nigerian roots added energy to the Gunners’ attack and almost pulled one back in the 75th minute, only to be denied by Martin Dubravka.

Newcastle’s second goal came in the 52nd minute through Anthony Gordon, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up from David Raya. The Magpies will face either Liverpool or Tottenham in the final at Wembley on March 16.

Germany: Boniface the extra-time hero for Leverkusen

Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface stepped off the bench to fire Bayer Leverkusen into the DFB Pokal semifinals with a dramatic extra-time winner in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Koln.

Koln took a surprising 2-0 lead by the 54th minute, but Leverkusen fought back, with Patrik Schick scoring twice to force extra time.

Introduced in the 76th minute, Boniface delivered when it mattered most, netting the decisive goal in the 98th minute to keep Leverkusen’s title defence alive.

Elsewhere: Nwabali & Olawoyin impress

In South Africa, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced a fine performance in Chippa United’s emphatic 4-1 win over Magesi in a rescheduled PSL clash.

Meanwhile, in Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin registered an assist in Rizespor’s 2-1 Turkish Cup victory against Ankaragücü, setting up Dal Varešanović’s early opener.