Ejuke dazzles, Akor wasteful, Iheancho unused as Nigerian stars suffer defeat to Nico Williams inspired Athletic Club

Sevilla suffered a 3-2 defeat to Athletic Club in their maiden LALIGA match of the season, but there are key takeaways for the Nigerian talents in the Los Nervionenses ranks.

Chidera Ejuke had a brilliant performance on the left wing, regularly completing dribbles and getting shots off. Sevilla were 2-0 down before he came on, and he was a contributing factor in their comeback attempt.

Akor Adams, on the other hand, was named from the start, and while he assisted the equaliser to make it 2-2, he should have buried a couple of chances which could have helped Mathias Almeyda's side avoid defeat. Iheanacho did not make the bench, as he is close to securing an exit.

Adams had chances early on to fire his side ahead, but Unai Simon kept him out. La Roja’s first-choice goalkeeper was then tested again at 20 minutes by Dodi Lukébakio's clever cross, which took a wicked deflection off Mikel Jauregizar and hit the woodwork before being scooped up by the Athletic goalkeeper.

However, it was Athletic who took the lead in the 34th minute, thanks to a penalty won by Nico Williams after being fouled by Juanlu in the box. Williams stepped up and sent Orjan Nyland the wrong way, giving Athletic a well-deserved advantage.

Just after the break, Williams played a key role in doubling Athletic's lead, producing a mesmerising turn before his deflected cross found Maroan Sannadi, who tucked home from close range. Williams then came agonisingly close to scoring a brace, hitting Nyland's left-hand post, and he soon Ernesto Valverde’s side soon rued those misses. 

Lukébakio's stunning 25-yard curler cannoned in off Simón's right-hand post. The early goal of the season contender pulled Sevilla back into the game.

Adams was then presented with multiple opportunities to restore parity, and on both occasions, he failed to beat Simon. 

However, their persistence paid off when Adnan Januzaj was fouled shortly after coming on, and the resulting quick free-kick led to Lucien Agoumé sweeping the ball home with aplomb to level the score. Adams got the assist.

However, Athletic ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to a clipped cross from Nico Williams that was converted by substitute Robert Navarro on his debut.