Nigerian footballers were in the spotlight across Europe this past weekend, delivering crucial goals, assists, and performances for their respective clubs. From France to Scotland, Belgium, and beyond, here’s a recap of how they fared.
Simon on Target as Nantes Fall to Le Havre
In France, Moses Simon found the net for Nantes in their 3-2 loss to Le Havre in a Ligue 1 clash on Sunday. The Nigerian forward scored just three minutes into the second half to level the game at 2-2, but an 88th-minute strike from Timothy Pembele sealed the win for Le Havre. Simon now boasts seven goals and eight assists in 25 league appearances this season.
Elsewhere in Ligue 1, Nigerian defender Gabriel Osho played the full 90 minutes for Auxerre as they secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Montpellier. It marked his 19th league appearance of the campaign.
Arokodare Strikes as Genk Thrash Gent
In Belgium, Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive form, scoring as KRC Genk cruised to a 4-0 win over KAA Gent in their Belgian Pro League Championship playoff tie on Sunday. The 24-year-old found the net five minutes after the break, bringing his tally to 18 goals in 31 league games this season.
Former Flying Eagles winger Yira Sor also featured for Genk, coming on in the 89th minute for Christopher Bonsu Baah.
Dessers’ 100th Appearance Marked with a Dramatic Winner
In Scotland, Cyriel Dessers celebrated his 100th game for Rangers in style, scoring a stoppage-time winner in their thrilling 4-3 victory over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday. The Nigerian forward now has 45 goals in his century of appearances for the Glasgow club.
Forest Duo Help Secure FA Cup Semifinal Spot
In England, Nottingham Forest edged past Brighton & Hove Albion in a penalty shootout to reach the FA Cup semifinals for the first time since 1991. Nigerian internationals Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi played key roles, both starting the game. Aina completed the full 90 minutes, while Awoniyi was substituted for Anthony Elanga.
Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey featured for Fulham in their 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage. Both players started the match, with Bassey playing the entire game while Iwobi was subbed off in the 82nd minute.
Iheanacho Opens Middlesbrough Account
Kelechi Iheanacho finally broke his goal drought in the Championship, scoring his first goal for Middlesbrough in their 2-1 win over Oxford United on Saturday. The Nigerian forward, on loan from Sevilla, netted three minutes into the second half to level the score before being substituted in the 75th minute. It was his first goal since December 2024.
Boniface Shines in Leverkusen Win
In Germany, Victor Boniface was on target for Bayer Leverkusen in their 3-1 victory over Bochum in the Bundesliga on Friday night. The Nigerian striker put Leverkusen ahead in the 60th minute and later had another goal disallowed by VAR. Boniface has now scored eight goals in 16 league appearances this season for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles duo Gift Orban and Frank Onyeka featured as Hoffenheim and Augsburg played out a 1-1 draw. Orban, in his 11th appearance for Hoffenheim, has netted four goals this season, while Onyeka has made 24 appearances with one assist for Augsburg.
Lookman and Okoye in Serie A Action
In Italy, Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye played the full 90 minutes for Udinese in their 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan on Sunday. The shot-stopper has now featured 17 times this season, keeping three clean sheets.
Ademola Lookman was also in action for Atalanta, but his side fell 1-0 to Fiorentina. The forward started the game before being substituted for Daniel Maldini in the 55th minute. Lookman has 13 goals in 24 league appearances this season.
Babajide Stars in Tenerife’s Liga F Victory
In women’s football, Super Falcons forward Rinsola Babajide played a key role in UD Tenerife’s 4-1 win over Espanyol in Liga F. The Nigerian forward scored a goal and provided an assist, setting up Claudia Bischo just before halftime. However, she missed a penalty in the 61st minute. Babajide has now scored nine goals in 21 league appearances this season.
