Dessers, Ighalo, Iwuala… TheCable’s team of the week

From Odion Ighalo to Cyril Dessers, Nigerian footballers put on sterling displays at the weekend.  

TheCable selects the best XI for the team of the week.

Maduka Okoye – Sparta Rotterdam

He kept Sparta in the game with several top saves, but his team lost against Feyenoord.

Lucky Opara – Lugano

He showed the awareness of a top striker to find the net for his club. In defence, he was commanding and controlled his territory.

Godswill Ekpolo – Haecken

Ekpolo cleaned out the opposition with a spotless performance for Haecken.

Samuel Odeoibo – Torpedo Zhodino

Odeibo had another authoritative performance at the back. He made every tackle count and suppressed the opposition’s attack.

Jamilu Collins – Paderborn

He was as exotic as a foie gras lollipop wrapped in candyfloss. His all-round display was always menacing to the hosts.

Wilfred Ndidi – Leicester City

Like a staircase designed and built by Scarpagnino, his artistic performance saw him building up attacks with utter precision.

Rabiu Ali – Kano Pillars

The midfielder ceaselessly bugged the Changi Boys, combining beautifully with his teammates. His flawless set-piece helped Pillars score their only goal. Scintillating.

Samson Tijani – Hartberg

The central midfielder bossed the middle of the park as Hartberg won their last match of the season.

Cyriel Dessers – Genk

Dessers appears to have settled in, and he proved his worth by scoring the winning strike against Club Brugge.

Anayo Iwuala – Enyimba

Arguably the man of the match, he linked well with his teammates to score the equalising goal against Pyramids.

Odion Ighalo – Al Shabab

The veteran striker was on top form and scored a goal as Al Shabab walloped Al Faisaly 5-1.