It was a thrilling weekend for Nigerian footballers around the world, as several Super Eagles and Super Falcons players delivered standout performances for their clubs across Europe and beyond.
Osimhen’s Brace Steals the Show in Turkey
Victor Osimhen lit up Friday night football in Turkey, scoring twice to help Galatasaray edge Samsunspor 3–2 in a Turkish Super Lig clash at RAMS Park. The Super Eagles striker doubled his side’s lead in the 29th minute before sealing the win with a stunning bicycle kick deep into stoppage time. Osimhen’s heroics take his tally to 11 goals in all competitions this season.
Elsewhere in Turkey, Anthony Dennis found the net for Göztepe in their 2–1 defeat to Trabzonspor on Sunday. The 21-year-old struck in the 85th minute, marking his third goal in 14 league matches.
His compatriot Paul Onuachu featured for the entire match for Trabzonspor and continues to top the Turkish Super Lig scoring chart with 11 goals.
Onyedika Opens League Account in Belgium
In Belgium, Ralph Onyedika got on the scoresheet for Club Brugge, breaking the deadlock in the 16th minute against St. Truidense. Despite his strong showing, Brugge fell 3–2 in a tightly contested Jupiler League encounter.
Italian Action: Dele-Bashiru and Lookman Feature
Over in Italy, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru came off the bench for Lazio in their 1–1 draw with Bologna at the Stadio Olimpico, marking his sixth appearance of the season.
Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman played the full 90 minutes for Atalanta but could not prevent a 3–1 loss to Hellas Verona on Saturday night.
Four Nigerians in Premier League London Derby
The Premier League saw a strong Nigerian presence as Fulham and Crystal Palace squared off in a London derby at Craven Cottage. Fulham fielded Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Samuel Chukwueze—the latter starting after an impressive midweek performance against Manchester City. Chukwueze was subbed off in the 76th minute.
For Palace, Christantus Uche came on in the 66th minute, making his fifth league appearance of the season. Palace ran out 2–1 winners.
Simon Impresses in France
In Ligue 1, Moses Simon featured for Paris FC in a goalless draw against Le Havre on Sunday. The winger, who has three goals and two assists this season, was replaced in the 66th minute after another lively showing.
Boniface Still Searching for Goals in Germany
In Germany, Victor Boniface came off the bench for Werder Bremen in their 3–2 loss to Hamburg. The striker’s goal drought extended to 10 Bundesliga appearances, though he has contributed two assists.
Sadiq Still Waiting for First La Liga Goal
In Spain, Umar Sadiq played for Real Sociedad in their narrow 1–0 defeat to Alaves. He was substituted in the 56th minute and remains without a league goal in five appearances this season.
Super Falcons Shine in Women’s Football
It wasn’t just the men making headlines: Nigerian women delivered standout performances too.
Toni Payne provided the assist for Everton’s shock 1–0 win over Chelsea in the Women’s Super League, setting up Honoka Hayashi for the decisive goal. The victory marked Chelsea’s first league defeat since May 2024.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie kept yet another clean sheet for Brighton & Hove Albion Women in their 1–0 win over London City Lionesses, continuing her impressive form after winning the WSL Save of the Month for October.
In Saudi women’s football, Francisca Ordega scored the opener in Ittihad Ladies’ 2–0 win over Neom SC. Ashleigh Plumptre also featured, playing the full 90 minutes.
