Nigerian footballers delivered standout performances across Europe over the weekend, capping off the 2025/26 campaign with goals, trophies, promotions, and memorable individual achievements.
Iheanacho Helps Celtic Complete Domestic Double
In Scotland, Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Celtic defeated Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 at Hampden Park to win the Scottish Cup on Saturday. Fresh from clinching the Scottish Premiership title in dramatic fashion against Hearts last weekend, Celtic completed a memorable domestic Double with another impressive display.
Iheanacho replaced James Forrest in the 58th minute and wasted little time making his presence felt. In the 72nd minute, the Nigerian forward produced a brilliant solo effort, dribbling past two defenders and the goalkeeper before calmly slotting home Celtic’s third goal of the evening. The 29-year-old concluded the season with nine goals in 24 appearances across all competitions.
Onuachu Fires Trabzonspor to Turkish Cup Glory
In Turkey, Paul Onuachu was the hero for Trabzonspor as they edged Konyaspor 2-1 in the Turkish Cup final on Friday night. Trabzonspor started brightly, with Onuachu opening the scoring in the 17th minute after finishing from close range. Konyaspor responded early in the second half through Congolese striker Jackson Muleka, but Trabzonspor regained control late in the game.
With 11 minutes remaining, Trabzonspor were awarded a penalty for handball, and Onuachu stepped up confidently to convert the decisive goal. The prolific striker enjoyed an outstanding campaign, finishing as joint top scorer in the Turkish Super Lig with 22 goals. Overall, the 31-year-old scored 26 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.
Semi Ajayi Secures Premier League Return with Hull City
In England, Semi Ajayi helped Hull City secure promotion to the Premier League following a dramatic 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough F.C. in the Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium. Ajayi played the full 90 minutes in a tense encounter that appeared destined for extra time until Oli McBurnie struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to seal promotion. Hull City will now join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in next season’s Premier League campaign, while Ajayi returns to England’s top flight.
Bassey and Iwobi End Fulham Season in Style
Nigerian duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi were both in action as Fulham wrapped up their Premier League season with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Newcastle United. Both players featured for the entire match as Fulham ended the season on a positive note in front of their home supporters.
Mixed Fortunes for Nigerians in Spain
In Spain, Super Eagles pair Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke featured for Sevilla FC in their 1-0 defeat to RC Celta de Vigo in Saturday’s La Liga clash. Adams came off the bench in the 64th minute for Isaac Romero, while Ejuke was introduced in the 77th minute for Oso.
Adams finished the campaign with 10 goals and three assists in 32 appearances, while Ejuke registered one goal and one assist in 27 matches for Sevilla this season.
Elsewhere in La Liga, Umar Sadiq featured for Valencia CF as they defeated FC Barcelona 3-1 on the final day of the season. The Nigerian striker came on in the 80th minute and ended the season with four goals and four assists in 25 appearances for Valencia.
Okoye Ends Stellar Serie A Campaign with Individual Honour
In Italy, Maduka Okoye was between the sticks for Udinese Calcio in their narrow 1-0 loss to SSC Napoli in the final Serie A match of the season. Despite the defeat, Okoye enjoyed an excellent individual campaign. The Nigerian goalkeeper made 30 league appearances, kept 10 clean sheets, and conceded 32 goals throughout the season. His impressive performances earned him Udinese’s Player of the Season award, capping off a remarkable 2025/26 season for the Super Eagles shot-stopper.
