The past weekend was action-packed for Nigerian footballers, with standout performances across various leagues in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Here’s a roundup of how Super Eagles and Super Falcons stars fared.
Turkey: David Okereke Secures Gaziantep FK Victory
David Okereke was the hero for Gaziantep FK, scoring the only goal in their 1-0 home victory over Adana Demirspor on Sunday. The Nigerian forward found the net in the 4th minute, bringing his season tally to five goals.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen provided an assist for Galatasaray in their 2-1 away win against Basaksehir. The Super Eagles striker set up the opening goal in the 42nd minute, contributing to an impressive season where he has scored 10 goals and provided four assists in 13 league appearances.
Italy: Mixed Fortunes for Super Eagles Stars
Ademola Lookman featured for Atalanta in their goalless draw with Udinese in Saturday’s Serie A clash. Lookman, making his 16th appearance this season, has been instrumental for Atalanta with nine goals and five assists so far.
His compatriot, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, was absent for Udinese due to injury.
Spain: Umar Sadiq Returns to Action
Umar Sadiq made his first La Liga appearance for Valencia in their 1-1 draw against Sevilla on Saturday. Sadiq came on as a substitute in the 69th minute, replacing Hugo Duro, as Valencia managed to secure a point.
Germany: Nathan Tella and Gift Orban in the Spotlight
Nathan Tella was on target for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring just 25 seconds into their thrilling 3-2 away victory over Borussia Dortmund on Friday. It marked Tella’s first goal in 12 league appearances this season.
Gift Orban made his Bundesliga debut for Hoffenheim in their 1-0 loss to Wolfsburg on Saturday. The Nigerian forward started the game but was substituted in the 60th minute. His compatriot, Kevin Akpoguma, came off the bench in the second half, making his 15th league appearance this season.
Saudi Arabia: Troost-Ekong’s Late Heroics
William Troost-Ekong provided a last-minute assist to secure Al Kholood’s dramatic 3-2 away victory over Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Professional League. Troost-Ekong’s pinpoint pass in the 10th minute of stoppage time set up Myziane Maolida for the winning goal, marking the Nigerian defender’s first assist in 14 league appearances this season.
England: FA Cup Action for Super Eagles Stars
Alex Iwobi featured for Fulham in their commanding 4-1 FA Cup victory over Watford on Thursday. Iwobi was substituted in the 66th minute, while Calvin Bassey remained on the bench.
Taiwo Awoniyi played 74 minutes for Nottingham Forest in their 2-0 win over Luton Town, advancing to the FA Cup fourth round.
Joe Aribo delivered a stellar performance for Southampton, playing the full 90 minutes as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Swansea. The midfielder was instrumental, showcasing excellent passing and tackling in the midfield.
France: Adams and Simon Shine in Ligue 1
Akor Adams won a penalty and delivered a strong performance for Montpellier in their 3-1 home loss to Angers on Sunday. Despite the defeat, the striker played the entire match.
Moses Simon impressed for Nantes in their 2-2 draw against AS Monaco on Friday. The Super Eagles winger was a constant threat throughout the game.
Women’s Football: Super Falcons Stars Lead the Charge
In Spain, Gift Monday delivered a stunning performance, scoring a brace for UDCA Tenerife in their 5-1 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña Women on Saturday. Rinsola Babajide added to the tally with a goal and an assist, capping off an exceptional day for the Super Falcons duo.
