League football resumed across Europe this weekend after a fortnight of international football and it was a day of mixed fortunes for Nigerian players.

In Italy, Super Eagles striker Simy Nwankwo was on for the duration of the encounter but failed to add to his three goals in Serie A as newly-promoted Crotone suffered yet another loss at home to Lazio.

Italy international Ciro Immobile opened scoring for the visitors in the 21st minute and then turned provider in the 58th, setting up Joaquin Correa to double their lead.

Nwankwo making his eighth appearance of the season was largely ineffective for the hosts who remain without a win after eight games, rooted firmly to the foot of the table and looking increasingly likely to make swift return to the second division.

In England, former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi made his 12th straight start and booked a yellow card in Stoke City’s seesaw 4-3 win against Huddersfield Town.

Hosts Stoke went behind after 24 minutes as Carel Eiting opened scoring for the visitors but a quick fire Tyrese Campbell double put the hosts back in front nine minutes later.

Isaac Mbenza restored parity for the visitors in the 40th minute but there was to be fifth goal in the first half as Richard Stearman put through his own net to send Stoke into the break 3-2 ahead.

Sam Clucas added a fourth in the 57th minute for Stoke but their two goal lead lasted all of three minutes as Naby Sarr scored to ensure a nervy finish.

The win moves Stoke up to seventh a place and a point off the playoff places while Huddersfield stay 16th.

Super Eagles Kevin Akpoguma put in an uncertain performance as part of a three man defence for Hoffenheim who conceded a 90th minute goal to draw 3-3 at home to VfB Stuttgart.

Christoph Baumgartner’s 16th minute opener for hosts Hoffenheim was cancelled out two minutes later by Nicolas Gonzalez setting the stage for an end to end encounter at the Prezero Arena.

Silas Wamangituka put the visitors ahead in the 27th minute but they were pegged back three minutes after half time as Ryan Sessegnon restored parity for the hosts.

Andrej Kramaric scored from the spot in the 71st minute to give Hoffenheim the lead again and with time running out and victory looking certain for the hosts Marc-Oliver Kempf popped up with a leveller in added time to ensure a share of the spoils for the visitors.

The draw meant Hoffenheim moved a place up to 12th having played a game more than their closest rivals while Stuttgart climb to 9th.