Nigerian footballers were in top form across major leagues abroad over the weekend, delivering goals, assists, and standout performances for their clubs. From Italy to Germany, France, England, and Spain, here’s a roundup of how Super Eagles players fared.
Lookman’s Brace Seals Emphatic Atalanta Win
In Italy, Ademola Lookman stole the show with a Man of the Match performance as Atalanta thrashed Empoli 5-0 in Serie A on Sunday. The Nigerian forward, who has been in fine form since returning from injury, bagged a brace to take his tally to 12 league goals this season.
Despite a recent clash with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini—who criticized him for missing a penalty in Atalanta’s Champions League loss to Club Brugge—Lookman responded in the best possible way. He put his side 3-0 up just before halftime, rounding the goalkeeper to slot home, before adding a second goal early in the second half. He now boasts 12 goals and five assists in 20 Serie A appearances.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was in action for AC Milan, coming off the bench in the 88th minute during their 2-1 loss to Torino. Chukwueze has featured 20 times this season for the Rossoneri, scoring twice.
Gift Orban Scores Again for Hoffenheim
In Germany, Gift Orban continued his impressive start to life in the Bundesliga, scoring his fourth goal in seven matches since joining Hoffenheim from Lyon in January. His strike helped Hoffenheim secure a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart on Sunday. Orban was substituted late in the game, while compatriot Kevin Akpoguma played the full 90 minutes for Hoffenheim.
Moses Simon Shines in France
Super Eagles winger Moses Simon was on target as Nantes secured a 3-1 victory over RC Lens at the Stade de la Beaujoire. Simon doubled Nantes’ lead from the penalty spot in the 60th minute, continuing his strong campaign with six goals and seven assists in 21 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
Nigerian Players Impress in England
In the English Championship, Tom Dele-Bashiru was on target for Watford in their 2-0 win over Luton Town. The Nigerian midfielder converted a penalty to score his fourth goal of the season for Tom Cleverley’s side. However, his night ended on a sour note as he was carried off the pitch due to injury.
Elsewhere, Mohammed Tijani scored his first goal for Plymouth Argyle in their 1-1 draw with Cardiff City. The former Flying Eagles striker equalized in the 23rd minute to secure a point for Miron Mulisic’s side.
In the Premier League, Wilfred Ndidi featured for Leicester City but could not prevent their 4-0 defeat to Brentford. The Nigerian midfielder started the game but was substituted in the 77th minute.
At Nottingham Forest, Ola Aina played the full 90 minutes in a thrilling 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United. The Super Eagles defender has now made 26 appearances for Forest this season, contributing two goals and one assist.
Umar Sadiq in Action for Valencia
In Spain, Umar Sadiq featured for Valencia in their 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga. The Nigerian striker, making his fifth appearance of the season, was subbed off in the 74th minute. He has scored one goal so far this campaign.
