SUPER Eagles forward Emmanuel Dennis played a pivotal role in Watford’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
The Nigeria international scored one goal and set up another to give the promoted Hornets an opening matchday victory.
Dennis, Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong and midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo all started for Watford, making it the first time three Nigerian players would be in the same club’s starting line-up in the Premier League since Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Joseph Yobo and Victor Anichebe started for Everton against Stoke City in September 2008.
Dennis put Watford in front 10 minutes into his first-ever Premier League game, hitting a rebound past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from point-blank range.
He then set up Watford’s second goal for Ismaila Sarr with a simple forward pass in the 42nd minute.
Juan Hernandez, who replaced Dennis one minute earlier, made it 3-0 for Watford in the 67th minute before the visitors fought back in futility with goals from John McGinn and Danny Ings.
Also in the Premier League on Saturday, Nigeria forward Alex Iwobi made an instant impact as Everton came from behind at home to beat Southampton 3-1.
The Nigerian replaced Andros Townsend in the 70th minute and set up Everton’s second goal with a headed assist to Abdoulaye Doucoure six minutes later.
Southampton had taken the lead through their new striker Adam Armstrong in the 22nd minute before goals from Richarlison Doucoure and Dominic Calvert-Lewin handed Everton the three points at Goodison Park.
At the King Power Stadium, Jamie Vardy scored the only goal in Leicester City’s 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi starting and forward Kelechi Iheanacho coming on in the 72nd minute.
European champions Chelsea eased past Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge 3-0 with goals from Marco’s Alonso, Christian Pulisic and Trevor Chalobah, while Brighton defeated their hosts Burnley 2-1.
