Nigerian footballers delivered captivating performances across Europe’s top leagues over the weekend, making headlines in Turkey, England, France, Germany, Spain, and Scotland.
Osimhen Leads Galatasaray to Victory
Victor Osimhen was the star in Turkey as he netted twice for Galatasaray in a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Samsunspor at RAMS Park on Sunday. Osimhen’s first goal came early, just three minutes in, when he headed home a perfect cross from Lucas Torreira. Despite Olivier Ntcham’s penalty equalizer for Samsunspor in the 55th minute, Osimhen struck again five minutes later, restoring Galatasaray’s lead. With this brace, Osimhen’s tally for the season now stands at eight goals and three assists in nine matches. He made way for Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech seven minutes before the final whistle, leaving to rapturous applause from the home fans.
Rizespor’s Dynamic Nigerian Duo
Elsewhere in Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin and David Akintola both got on the scoresheet for Rizespor, securing a 3-1 victory over Trabzonspor on Saturday. Akintola put Rizespor ahead in the 71st minute, while Olawoyin sealed the win with a third goal nine minutes from time. These were the first league goals of the season for both Nigerian players, who were substituted in the final minute after their match-winning contributions.
Iwobi’s Impact for Fulham
In the English Premier League, Alex Iwobi provided a crucial assist in Fulham’s 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Nigerian midfielder, now with two goals and two assists in his 11 appearances this season, demonstrated his creative flair once again. Meanwhile, his compatriot Calvin Bassey featured for the full 90 minutes, playing a key role in Fulham’s solid defensive performance.
Mixed Results for Nigerian Stars in the Premier League
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi took to the pitch for Nottingham Forest as their team’s winning run ended in a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on Sunday. Aina played the entire match, while Awoniyi was introduced with just two minutes remaining.
Over at Old Trafford, Wilfred Ndidi featured for Leicester City in a tough 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, exiting the field in the 70th minute.
Additionally, Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu both appeared for Southampton, who fell to Wolves. Aribo, with one goal this season, was substituted in the 73rd minute, while Onuachu came on at the same time but could not help turn the tide for Southampton.
Moses Simon Shines for Nantes
In France, Moses Simon put on an impressive display despite Nantes suffering a 3-2 defeat to RC Lens. Simon scored from the penalty spot in the 36th minute, levelling the match after an early Lens goal, and later provided an assist for Nicolas Cozza. The Nigerian winger now scored three goals and four assists in ten games this season for Nantes.
Montpellier and Auxerre Victories in Ligue 1
Akor Adams featured for Montpellier, helping his side to a 3-1 win over Brest on Sunday. The Nigerian forward, in his 11th appearance, has three goals and one assist this season. Gabriel Osho played the full 90 minutes as Auxerre extended their unbeaten run to four games with a 3-1 away victory over Marseille on Friday.
Dessers Fires Rangers to Victory in Scotland
In the Scottish Premier League, Cyriel Dessers scored the only goal as Rangers defeated Hearts 1-0 on Sunday. The Super Eagles striker struck just six minutes into the match, marking his 10th goal of the season and his third in the last three games.
Boniface and Tella in Bundesliga Action
In Germany, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella came off the bench for Bayer Leverkusen in their 1-1 draw against Bochum. Boniface has been in fine form, with six goals in nine Bundesliga matches, while Tella, still awaiting his first goal, made his sixth league appearance of the campaign.
Over in Spain, Kelechi Iheanacho’s search for a first La Liga goal continued as Sevilla fell 1-0 to Leganes. Iheanacho has now gone seven games without scoring since his summer transfer from Leicester, while Chidera Ejuke remains sidelined with an injury.
In Italy, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman was in action as his team beat Udinese 2-1. Lookman saw a goal disallowed by VAR early on, and he has been in excellent form this season with eight goals and five assists across 13 matches. On the opposing side, Udinese’s Nigerian duo, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and defender Kingsley Ehizibue, both played the entire match.
