Matchday two of the English Premier League served up a thrilling Super Eagles Derby as Fulham took on Leicester City with Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey battling it all out against Wilfred Ndidi.
The spotlight was firmly on the three Nigerian stars as Fulham sealed a 2-1 win over their visitors at the Craven Cottage, Footballrover reports.
And it was Iwobi who emerged as the star of the day, leading Fulham to a much-needed victory.
Fulham’s fortunes took a turn for the better thanks to two former Arsenal talents, Emile Smith Rowe and Alex Iwobi, who played the hero roles in this encounter.
The win was crucial for Fulham after their narrow opening-day loss to Manchester United.
The game burst into life just 18 minutes in, with Adama Traoré setting up a brilliant play.
His hard work led to a perfect pass to Emile Smith Rowe, who unleashed a stunning shot past Mads Hermansen, tucking the ball into the right corner of the net to put Fulham ahead.
Welcome to your new home, Emile. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/YE30HCtgzo
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 24, 2024
However, Leicester wasn’t going to roll over easily.
Twenty minutes later, they drew level through a set-piece masterclass.
Facundo Buonanotte whipped in a pinpoint corner, and Wout Faes rose highest to head the ball into the left side of the net, making it 1-1.
The teams went into halftime deadlocked, but the second half was a different story.
The game remained tense and evenly matched until the 70th minute when Fulham reclaimed the lead.
The man of the moment, Alex Iwobi, stepped up.
Released into the box by a delightful reverse pass from Anthony Robinson, Iwobi calmly slotted the ball into the left corner with a sublime finish.
70' Get in there! 🤘
Alex breaks away down the left wing and finishes expertly at the near post!
🤍 2-1 🦊 #FULLEI https://t.co/XhPeIZKrkW pic.twitter.com/Q3FBQy0ofP
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 24, 2024
Fulham continued to dominate, registering over 18 goal attempts, and Iwobi was at the heart of it all.
The 28-year-old Nigerian international delivered a stellar performance, completing over 32 accurate passes, maintaining 100% shot accuracy, and making 55 touches with only one foul to his name.
Calvin Bassey also had an impressive outing, completing a game-high 65 passes, making 80 touches, delivering four accurate long balls, recovering possession eight times, and blocking a goal-bound effort.
As for Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, his team might still be searching for their first win since returning to the top flight, but the 27-year-old put in a solid shift.
Rated 7.3 for his performance, Ndidi played the full 90 minutes, completing 39 accurate passes, executing two successful dribbles, making three accurate long passes, winning two tackles, and triumphing in six duels, although he did commit three fouls.
First W of the season! 🙌#FULLEI pic.twitter.com/uANX0hnU0l
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) August 24, 2024
In the end, it was Alex Iwobi who stole the show, guiding Fulham to victory in a match that showed the best of Super Eagles stars in the Premier League.
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