This weekend’s football action saw Nigerian players making headlines in various leagues around the world, delivering goals, assists, and standout performances. Here’s a recap of their remarkable exploits:
Premier League Highlights
In England, Ola Aina found the net for Nottingham Forest in their 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday. Aina’s strike in the 38th minute marked his second goal of the season for Forest, who have now notched three consecutive wins. Anthony Elanga added the second goal in the 51st minute to secure the win. Fellow Super Eagle Taiwo Awoniyi also featured, coming on in the 90th minute to replace Chris Wood.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s action saw the Super Eagles trio of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Joe Aribo feature as Fulham and Southampton battled to a goalless draw. Iwobi, in his 17th appearance of the season, has contributed five goals and three assists so far. Bassey, making his 16th appearance, has five yellow cards to his name. Aribo, who started for Southampton, showed promise before being substituted in the second half.
Turkish Super Lig: Osimhen Shines Again
Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass for Galatasaray, scoring twice in their 5-1 rout of Kayserispor. The Nigerian forward opened the scoring from the penalty spot just four minutes into the game and netted his second in the 71st minute. Osimhen’s tally for the season now stands at 12 goals and five assists in all competitions, further solidifying his importance to the Turkish champions.
David Okereke also impressed in Turkey, providing an assist in Gaziantep’s 2-0 win over Antalyaspor. Okereke set up Kacper Kozlowski for the opening goal in the 42nd minute, bringing his season tally to three goals and two assists.
La Liga Action in Spain
In Spain, Christantus Uche played the full 90 minutes for Getafe in their narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Mallorca. The Nigerian international, in his 18th appearance of the season, continues to be a reliable presence in the team despite only scoring one goal so far this campaign.
Serie A: Lookman’s Vital Goal
Ademola Lookman was instrumental for Atalanta as they reclaimed the top spot in Serie A with a thrilling 3-2 win over Empoli. The recently crowned African Player of the Year scored his 12th goal of the season in all competitions, finding the net in first-half added time to put Atalanta in front.
In another Serie A encounter, Samuel Chukwueze featured for AC Milan in their 1-0 away victory against Hellas Verona. Starting the game, Chukwueze put in a solid shift before being substituted in the 70th minute. This marked his 16th league appearance of the season, with one goal to his name.
Belgian Pro League: Arokodare Impresses
Tolu Arokodare delivered a stellar performance for KRC Genk, scoring one goal and assisting another in their 2-0 victory over Anderlecht. Arokodare opened the scoring in the 29th minute before setting up Karetsas for the second goal in the 72nd minute. The forward has been in fine form, with 11 goals and four assists in 19 league appearances this season.
Bundesliga: Tella’s Contribution
Nathan Tella was in action for Bayer Leverkusen in their emphatic 5-1 home win against Freiburg. Tella played 65 minutes of the game, contributing to Leverkusen’s dominant performance as they continue their strong run in the Bundesliga.
