Nigeria international and Leicester midfielder was on duty as his team got their Champions League push back on track with a narrow win over Sheffield United to move within a point of third-placed Chelsea.
His compatriot and teammate, Kelechi Iheanacho, was on the bench throughout the match.
The hosts dominated the first half with 19-year-old debutant Luke Thomas impressing at left wing-back and it was his low cross which set up the opener for Ayoze Perez after 29 minutes.
Brendan Rodgers’ side should have extended their lead after the break when Harvey Barnes was twice denied by Dean Henderson after clever through balls by Jamie Vardy.
The Foxes’ top scorer also hit the post, and it looked as though Sheffield United might force their way back into the match after a second-half improvement
They came closest to scoring when Jack O’Connell’s shot was tipped wide by Kasper Schmeichel.
But, as the game hung in the balance, substitute Demarai Gray, on for Barnes, collected Vardy’s pass and beat Henderson to finally seal the win after 79 minutes.