It was an action-packed weekend for Nigerian footballers across the globe as they delivered decisive performances for their clubs. From late winners in Italy to thrilling finishes in France and impactful displays in Scotland, here’s a roundup of their contributions.
Italy: Chukwueze’s Dramatic Comeback
Samuel Chukwueze returned in style after a hamstring injury to score a last-gasp winner in AC Milan’s 3-2 triumph over Parma in Serie A on Sunday. The 25-year-old winger, who had been sidelined since December 29, 2024, made his impact after being subbed on in the 57th minute. His decisive strike in the 95th minute secured all three points for Milan.
Italy: Lookman Continues to Impress for Atalanta
Ademola Lookman was also in action in Serie A, helping Atalanta edge Como 2-1 on Saturday. The Super Eagles winger, in his 19th league appearance of the season, has now registered 10 goals and five assists. However, Lookman received his third yellow card of the campaign for a first-half foul.
France: Moses Simon Rescues Nantes
In Ligue 1, Moses Simon played a pivotal role as Nantes salvaged a 1-1 draw against Lyon on Sunday. Simon set up Mostafa Mohamed’s 90th-minute equalizer, bringing his assist tally to six for the season. The Nigerian winger has five goals in 17 league appearances.
Germany: Gift Orban Scores First Hoffenheim Goal
Gift Orban opened his Bundesliga account with Hoffenheim in their 2-2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt. The forward came on in the 63rd minute and scored just two minutes later, leveling the score. Fellow Nigerian Kevin Akpoguma also featured for the full game.
Spain: Uche Stars for Getafe
Christantus Uche delivered a match-winning performance for Getafe in their 3-0 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga. Uche scored the opener in the 72nd minute and later provided an assist for Carles Pérez, who netted twice to seal the win. Uche now has two goals and one assist in 24 appearances this season.
Turkey: Osimhen’s Decisive Penalty
Victor Osimhen’s penalty ensured Galatasaray claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Konyaspor on Saturday. The Nigerian striker has been in scintillating form, netting 12 goals in 15 league appearances, with six of his last seven goals coming from the spot.
Belgium: Arokodare Stars for Genk
Tolu Arokodare continued his stellar season for KRC Genk, scoring and assisting in their 2-1 win against Westerlo. He set up Zakaria El-Ouahdi’s opener in the 18th minute before doubling the lead himself 12 minutes later. Arokodare now boasts 14 goals and five assists in 22 league games.
Scotland: Dessers’ Hot Streak Continues
Cyriel Dessers was once again on target for Rangers, scoring in their 3-1 comeback win over Dundee United. Dessers has now scored in four consecutive games and has 18 goals and four assists in 35 appearances across all competitions this season.
England: Mixed Fortunes for Super Eagles Players
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi endured a tough outing as Nottingham Forest suffered a crushing 5-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday, ending their eight-game unbeaten run. Aina started but was subbed off in the 79th minute, while Awoniyi came on at the same time.
Elsewhere, Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo both featured in Southampton’s 3-1 loss to Newcastle. Aribo played 88 minutes, while Onuachu completed the full game.
At Craven Cottage, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were in action as Manchester United edged Fulham 1-0. Iwobi has seven goals and three assists this season, while Bassey, with 22 appearances under his belt.
Saudi Arabia: Troost-Ekong Stands Tall
In the Saudi League, William Troost-Ekong played a key role in Al Kholood’s 2-1 win over Al Raed. It marked his 17th appearance for the club this season.
In Women’s football, Super Falcons star Gift Monday scored one and assisted another goal for UD Tenerife in their 2-0 home league victory over Madrid CFF.
