Nigerian footballers delivered standout performances across Europe over the weekend, making their presence felt in the Premier League, La Liga, the Turkish Super Lig, and the Women’s Super League.
Awoniyi Ends Goal Drought as Forest Win
In the English Premier League, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi marked a significant milestone by scoring his first league goal of the season in Nottingham Forest’s 2–0 victory over Brentford on Sunday. The 28-year-old came off the bench in the 68th minute and sealed the win with Forest’s second goal in the 80th minute. It was Awoniyi’s first goal in over 380 days, his last having come against Wolves.
His compatriot, Ola Aina, featured for the full 90 minutes in a solid defensive display.
Chukwueze and Iwobi Star for Fulham
Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was on the scoresheet as Fulham claimed a 2–1 win over Brighton on Saturday. Making his 10th league appearance of the season, Chukwueze scored the equaliser in the 72nd minute after Brighton had taken an early lead. Despite his goal, he was substituted shortly after following an impressive outing.
The Nigerian winger has now recorded three goals and four assists this season. Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi also featured prominently, playing 88 minutes in what was his 17th league appearance for Fulham this campaign.
Uche, Arokodare Feature in Tough League Matches
At Selhurst Park, Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche made a brief appearance as Crystal Palace fell 3–1 to Chelsea. The midfielder came on in the 85th minute for Jean-Philippe Mateta, marking his 10th league appearance of the season.
Elsewhere, Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare featured for Wolves in their 2–0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. The Nigerian forward was introduced in the 71st minute, making his 18th league appearance of the campaign. He has scored once for Wolves this season.
Akor Adams Continues Scoring Run in Spain
In La Liga, Akor Adams maintained his impressive form by scoring in Sevilla’s 2–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday. The Nigerian striker, making his 15th league appearance, calmly converted a penalty in the 56th minute to extend Sevilla’s lead. Adams now has six league goals and two assists this season.
His compatriot, Chidera Ejuke, came on as a substitute in the 81st minute.
Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq also featured in La Liga as Valencia edged Espanyol 3–2. The Nigerian international made his second appearance of the season, coming on in the 64th minute for Hugo Duro, and is still searching for his first league goal for the club.
Osimhen Makes History in Turkey
In Turkey, Victor Osimhen etched his name into Galatasaray’s history books by becoming the fastest player to reach 50 goals for the club. The Nigerian striker achieved the feat in just 59 appearances, scoring Galatasaray’s third goal in their 3–1 away win over Fatih Karagümrük on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, Paul Onuachu continued his fine scoring form for Trabzonspor, netting the winning goal in their 2–1 victory over Kasimpasa on Friday night. The striker scored in the 51st minute after coming on at halftime and now has 12 goals across all competitions this season.
Super Falcons Represent in Women’s Super League
In women’s football, Super Falcons stars Chiamaka Nnadozie and Toni Payne were in action in the English Women’s Super League on Friday night. Nnadozie played the entire match in goal for Brighton Women, while Payne also completed 90 minutes for Everton Women.
