LUKÉBAKIO AND IHEANACHO BOTH FEATURE FOR THEIR COUNTRIES

The first of our players in international action came in the form of Kelechi Iheanacho and Dodi Lukébakio, although they had differing fortunes. Iheanacho started for Nigeria in their 1-1 draw against Benin; a point was enough for the Super Eagles to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Played in Abidjan, the capital of the Ivory Coast, Benin took an early lead before Osimhen scored with ten minutes to play to clinch the decisive point. Iheanacho was substituted for Onyedika of Club Brugge at half time. Nigeria will now play against Rwanda in the final game of the qualification campaign, knowing that their ticket to Morocco is secure. 

Belgium, on the other hand, saw their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Nations League Quarter-finals disappear as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Italy in Brussels. Tonali had given the Italians an early need and Lukébakio was brought on in the 79th minute as Domenico Tedesco looked for a route back into the game. Sambi Lokonga did not feature. Next up is a match against Israel on Sunday. To be played in Budapest, Belgium must avoid defeat by two or more goals to remain in League A.