It was another thrilling weekend of football as Nigerian players delivered standout performances across Europe’s top leagues. From Turkey to England, goals, assists, and key contributions highlighted an exciting round of matches.
Osimhen’s Brace Not Enough for Galatasaray in Thrilling Draw
In Turkey, Victor Osimhen found the net twice, but it wasn’t enough as Galatasaray were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw by Kasimpasa in their derby clash. The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute before adding Galatasaray’s third goal late in the game. With 16 goals and four assists in 20 league appearances this season, Osimhen continues to be a dominant force in the Turkish Super Lig.
Meanwhile, Ibrahim Olawoyin was on target for Rizespor in their 3-1 victory over Alanyaspor. The 27-year-old sealed the win with a goal five minutes from time, marking his third goal in 22 league games this season. His compatriot David Akintola also featured before being substituted in the 73rd minute.
Sadiq Saves Valencia with a Brace in La Liga
In Spain, Umar Sadiq was the hero for Valencia, scoring twice to help his side secure a 3-3 draw against Osasuna. With Valencia trailing late in the game, Sadiq struck two minutes from time to snatch a crucial point. His first goal had earlier given Valencia a 2-1 lead in the 32nd minute. The 28-year-old now has three goals in six appearances for the club.
Nathan Tella on Target as Leverkusen Cruise to Victory
In the Bundesliga, Nathan Tella played a key role in Bayer Leverkusen’s dominant 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt. The Nigerian forward found the net in the 26th minute after being set up by Granit Xhaka. That was Tella’s second league goal of the season before he was substituted for his compatriot Victor Boniface in the 77th minute.
Elsewhere, Frank Onyeka featured for Augsburg as they battled Freiburg to a goalless draw. The Super Eagles midfielder has now made 21 league appearances this season, providing one assist.
Dessers Scores for Rangers in Defeat, Balogun Returns from Injury
In Scotland, Cyriel Dessers continued his fine form for Rangers, scoring in their 2-1 home defeat to Motherwell. The forward pulled one back for Rangers in the second half but was later denied a second due to an offside call. Dessers now boasts 21 goals and five assists in 42 matches across all competitions this season.
His compatriot, center-back Leon Balogun, returned to action for Rangers after an injury layoff, coming on at halftime.
Olatunji’s Late Winner Lifts Sparta Prague
In the Czech Republic, Victor Olatunji played the hero for Sparta Prague, coming off the bench to score an 87th-minute winner in their 2-1 victory over Sigma Olomouc. The Nigerian striker now has seven goals this season in the Czech top flight.
Chukwueze Scores for Milan, Lookman Held in Serie A Stalemate
In Italy, Samuel Chukwueze scored a fine header for AC Milan in their 2-1 home defeat to Lazio. The Super Eagles winger equalized for 10-man Milan in the 84th minute, but a last-minute penalty secured victory for Lazio.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman was in action for Atalanta but couldn’t break the deadlock as they were held to a 0-0 draw by struggling Venezia. Lookman has now scored 17 goals and provided six assists in all competitions this season.
Bassey Shines as Fulham Knock Out Manchester United in FA Cup Thriller
In England, Calvin Bassey put in a standout performance for Fulham as they knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup via a penalty shootout. The Nigerian defender opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, heading home from an Andreas Pereira corner. Though United equalized through Bruno Fernandes, Fulham eventually triumphed in the shootout.
Alex Iwobi also featured in the game but was substituted in the 107th minute.
Dennis Sees Red as Blackburn Settle for Draw
In the English Championship, Emmanuel Dennis endured a frustrating evening for Blackburn Rovers as he was sent off in their 1-1 draw against Norwich City. The forward, who joined on loan from Nottingham Forest, received his second booking in the closing minutes of the match.
Arokodare Scores Again for Genk in Belgium
In Belgium, Tolu Arokodare was on target as Genk played out a 1-1 draw against Charleroi. The 24-year-old opened the scoring in the 71st minute before Charleroi equalized late from the penalty spot. Arokodare now has 16 league goals and five assists in 28 appearances, with 18 goals across all competitions this season.
Moses Simon Features as Nantes Fall to Marseille
In France, Moses Simon was in action for Nantes in their 2-0 away defeat to Marseille. The Super Eagles winger started the game but was substituted with 20 minutes left to play.
Onumonu Impresses in Women’s Football
In the French women’s league, Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu starred for Montpellier, scoring one goal and assisting another in their 4-2 away victory over Reims.
