Ademola Lookman’s Winner for Leicester Nullified by VAR

NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA

*Ndidi back, Iheanacho, Troost-Ekong, Iwobi unused subs in Sunday games

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Super Eagles prospect, Ademola Lookman, was denied winning goal for Leicester City yesterday as VAR ruled out his second-half Leicester easy tap into the net of Leeds in an entertaining Premier League game at Elland Road.

Lookman who is waiting to switch from England to Nigeria thought he had poked home the winner midway through the second period, but was standing in an offside position when Jamie Vardy had flicked on a Youri Tielemans corner. The game ended 1-1

Leeds forward Raphinha had put his side deservedly in front in the 26th minute when his free-kick from out wide caught out Leicester keeper Kasper Schmeichel at his far post.

But Leicester responded seconds after the resulting kick-off with Barnes curling a stunner into the top corner from a tight angle.

Both sides had chances to win the game late on as Marcelo Bielsa’s team moved three points clear of the relegation zone at 15th spot, while Leicester stayed 12th.

Injured Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi made a return to Leicester City’s starting 11 after recovering from injury. He made his presence felt in the game as he made some crucial tackles to prevent any attacking move from Leeds United. One of such tackles earned him a caution card in the 74th minute.

It was his third appearance for Leicester City in the Premier League this ongoing season.

His Nigerian teammate, Kelechi ‘Senior Man’ Iheanacho was an unused substitute in the game.

Elsewhere, another Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Dennis could not save Watford from losing 1-0 to Arsenal at the Emirate Stadium. He was substituted in the 74th minute by Hernandez.

Nigerian central defender, William Troost-Ekong was also on the bench for the entire 90 minute.

Alex Iwobi was also an unused sub in the Everton’s 1-1 pulsating home draw with Tottenham.

In the Italian Serie A, Victor Osimhen failed to get on the scorer’s sheet as he returned from two-game sideline to feature in Napoli’s 1-1 home draw with Verona.