Hope Akpan and Victor Anichebe help teams to good results

Jan 31, 2013 1:48:00 PM

In midweek matches in the English Premier League, two Nigerian players helped their sides to a win and a credible comeback

Everton had Victor Anichebe to thank for the penalty kick that sealed their 2-1 win over West Brom on Wednesday while 21-year old Hope Akpan (pictured in the background) came on for Reading to set up two late goals and allow Reading grab an unlikely point against Chelsea..

Anichebe led the line in the absence of Nikica Jelavic, who was dropped to the bench and the 24-year old Nigerian and was involved in the two goals. In the first scored by Leighton Baines, the striker created the space with his movement and for the second he was brought down after controlling a ball in the box before been brought down by Claudio Yacob.

The Nigerian, left out of the Nations Cup because of injuries has scored four league goals in 13 appearances. He had 46% accuracy on passes with 27 touches. He did not have any shot during his 84 minutes. He also committed two fouls.

At the Majdeski Stadium, Akpan, the Nigerian midfielder newly recruited from Crawley Town for £300,000 carved out two chances for Adam Le Fondre to score two goals in eight minutes and get a 2-2 draw with Chelsea who had led with goals from Juan Mata and Frank Lampard.

Akpan came on for Jem Karacan in the 77th minute with Reading down 2-0 and Chelsea looking to score the third goal.

Akpan sent a good pass beyond Gary Cahill in the 87th minute which Le Fondre converted at Ross Turnbull's near post. But there was more to come from the Nigerian as his deft headed touch set up Le Fondre in the 93rd minute to grab the equaliser and a share of the points, which moved the club to 17th position on the league table.

Akpan had 70% pass accuracy from 13 touches and he had a shot. He also got the second highest rating on the Reading side after Le Fondre. Akpan has played twice in the Premier League with all his appearances being as a substitute.

Inside Goal.Com

Like Owomoyela, like Sam
The German-Nigerian has been put in the dicey position of having to decide his international future after J Loew called him up last week
Why Real Madrid are appointing Ancelotti
After the decision to dispense with Jose Mourinho was announced on Monday, the Spanish side have set their sights on the PSG coach, and he looks like the ideal man for the job
Nigerians Abroad: Ike Uche scores
The 2012/13 league season ended in most European countries last weekend and some Nigerians scored key goals
Bundesliga awards 2012-13
Goal crowns the best and worst from Germany over the course of the season
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel