Leicester City’s return to the Premier League continues to be challenging, as they suffered a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, despite a commendable assist from Nigerian midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. The Foxes, now sitting in 15th place, have secured just one point from their first three matches of the season.
Aston Villa opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Douglas Luiz capitalized on Leicester’s defensive frailties to fire the visitors ahead.
Villa continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded once more in the 63rd minute when Jhon Duran extended their lead, striking with precision after being set up by Matty Cash.
The goal left Leicester with a mountain to climb as they sought to find a way back into the game.
Wilfred Ndidi, who has been one of Leicester’s standout players in recent seasons, gave his side a glimmer of hope in the 73rd minute.
The Nigerian international set up Facundo Buonanotte for a well-taken goal, providing Leicester with a much-needed boost as they sought to rescue a point from the contest. However, despite Leicester’s attempts to apply late pressure, Villa’s resolute defense held firm, and the visitors took all three points back to the Midlands.
The defeat compounds Leicester’s difficult start to the campaign, as they struggle to find their footing after earning promotion back to the top flight.
Ndidi, who had found the back of the net in midweek during Leicester’s 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over Tranmere Rovers, continued to show his influence in the team, but his contributions were not enough to prevent another league loss.
Elsewhere in the Premier League, other Nigerian players were in action on a busy Saturday.
At the City Ground, Nottingham Forest battled to a 1-1 draw with Bournemouth.
Ola Aina played the full 90 minutes for Forest, while striker Taiwo Awoniyi was introduced late in the game in the 90th minute.
The match saw both sides share the spoils, with Forest unable to find a decisive winner.
Meanwhile, Fulham’s Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi featured in their team’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town.
Iwobi, who has been a key player for the Cottagers, was substituted in the dying minutes of the match, with Fulham managing to hold on for a point after an evenly contested game.
In another Premier League clash, Joe Aribo’s Southampton were on the wrong end of a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Brentford.
Aribo, who started the match for the Saints, was substituted in the 82nd minute, with former Southampton player Adam Lallana coming on to replace him.
Brentford’s clinical finishing ultimately proved too much for Southampton, leaving them still searching for their first win of the season.
The performance of Nigerian players across the league this weekend highlights their growing influence in the English top flight, even as their clubs face mixed fortunes.
Ndidi’s assist, in particular, showcased his importance to Leicester City, although the Foxes will need to turn their fortunes around quickly if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle this season.
