Lookman scores, two other Nigerians shine in Sheffield United, Fulham draw

THREE Nigerian players featured for Fulham on Sunday, one of them scoring a spectacular goal as the club claimed their first Premier League point of the season.

Ademola Lookman, who is on loan at Fulham from RB Leipzig, gave his side the lead against hosts Sheffield United before Billy Sharp equalised for the hosts, who also earned their first point of the season.

Ola Aina and Tosin Adarabioyo, both Nigerians, were also impressive for Fulham.

Lookman, who was born in England and played for Everton, gave the visitors a second-half lead, before referee Andre Marriner awarded Sheffield United a penalty having consulted with VAR and looked at his pitchside monitor.

Both sides had chances to win it, after Aleksander Mitrović had earlier missed a penalty.

Fulham took the lead on 77 minutes, as Lookman evaded the challenges of three Sheffield United defenders, got a fortunate bounce and then rifled a ferocious left-footed shot into the top corner past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

Right-back Aina and centre-back Adarabioyo were also heavily involved, the former with his strong running, the latter with key interceptions.

Lookman and Adarabioyo are yet to play for Nigeria but it is understood that both men are open to switching after featuring for England at age-group levels.

Aina, also born in England to Nigerian parents, is however a full Nigerian international and was in the squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the friendly matches against Algeria and Tunisia last week.