Nigerian footballers were in action across Europe this past weekend, delivering standout performances in some of the biggest leagues. Here’s a breakdown of their exploits:
Premier League Highlights
Alex Iwobi was the lone scorer for Fulham in their 4-1 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday. The Nigerian forward opened the scoring with a brilliant curler in the 20th minute, marking his third Premier League goal this season. Fellow Nigerian Calvin Bassey also played the full 90 minutes for Fulham.
In Southampton’s 3-2 home defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, Paul Onuachu started but was substituted in the 52nd minute due to injury. His compatriot Joe Aribo came on earlier in the 37th minute to replace the injured Adam Lallana.
At the Emirates, Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina featured for Nottingham Forest in their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal. Awoniyi played 63 minutes but remains goalless this season, while Aina completed the full match.
Championship
Josh Maja was on target for West Brom in their 2-2 draw against Norwich on Saturday. The Nigerian forward rescued a point for his team after equalising two minutes before halftime. The 25-year old has scored 10 goals in 16 league appearances this season.
Serie A Action
In Italy, Ademola Lookman was instrumental for Atalanta in their 3-1 win against Parma. Lookman scored his seventh goal in 10 Serie A matches this season, netting Atalanta’s third in the 75th minute before being substituted with eight minutes left.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came off the bench for Lazio to score his first goal of the season during their 3-0 victory over Bologna. The Nigerian midfielder wrapped up the scoring in added time.
Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze was a late substitute for AC Milan in their goalless draw against Juventus. Chukwueze has made 11 appearances for Milan this season, with one goal to his name.
Bundesliga Highlights
Nathan Tella delivered an assist for Bayer Leverkusen in their 5-2 win over Heidenheim. Tella, appearing for the seventh time this season, now has one assist to his credit. His compatriot Victor Boniface missed the match due to injury.
Frank Onyeka featured for Augsburg but couldn’t prevent their 3-0 loss to Bayern Munich. The midfielder played the entire match.
At Hoffenheim, Kevin Akpoguma came off the bench in the 86th minute to help his side secure a thrilling 4-3 win over RB Leipzig. The defender has made nine appearances this season.
French Ligue 1
In France, Gabriel Osho played all 90 minutes as Auxerre edged Angers 1-0 on Sunday. Osho has made 10 appearances this season, receiving just one yellow card so far.
Belgian Pro League Contributions
Raphael Onyedika scored his first goal of the season in Club Brugge’s dominant 7-0 victory over Sint-Truidense. The midfielder found the net in the 51st minute, extending Brugge’s lead to 5-0.
For Genk, Tolu Arokodare struck in the 77th minute during their 3-0 win against Sporting Charleroi, taking his season tally to nine goals this season.
Turkish Super Lig Highlights
In Turkey, David Okereke came off the bench to seal Gaziantep’s 3-0 win over Basaksehir. The 27-year-old scored just six minutes after being introduced in the 75th minute.
Victor Osimhen was pivotal for Galatasaray in their narrow 1-0 victory against Bodrum FK. The striker played the full match and has tallied eight goals and three assists across all competitions this season.
Women’s Football Spotlight
In France, Ifeoma Onumonu continued her impressive form, scoring in her fourth consecutive game to help Montpellier secure a 2-0 away victory over Saint-Etienne. The Super Falcons forward played 87 minutes in the match.
