Nigerian footballers delivered impressive performances across Europe over the weekend, with several Super Eagles stars making decisive contributions for their clubs in league and cup competitions.
Osimhen Seals Derby Victory in Turkey
Victor Osimhen was the hero for Galatasaray as they edged Istanbul rivals Besiktas 1-0 on Saturday night. The Nigerian striker scored the decisive goal with a superb header, meeting a delightful cross from Leroy Sane to secure all three points.
The goal marked Osimhen’s 11th league strike of the season, further underlining his importance to the Turkish giants. On the opposing side, his Super Eagles teammate Wilfred Ndidi was also in action for Besiktas. Ndidi made his 19th league appearance of the campaign for the Black Eagles but could not prevent the narrow defeat.
Orban Provides Assist in Verona Win
In Italy, Gift Orban played a key role in Hellas Verona’s 2-1 victory over Bologna on Sunday afternoon. The Nigerian forward assisted Kieron Bowie’s winning goal in the 57th minute.
Orban has now recorded seven goals and two assists in 23 league appearances for Verona this season, continuing to grow in influence for the Serie A side.
Okoye Features in Udinese Draw
Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was between the posts for Udinese as they battled Atalanta to a 2-2 draw in Saturday’s Serie A clash. It was Okoye’s 20th appearance of the season for Udinese, though he picked up a yellow card for time-wasting in the 66th minute.
Adams on Target for Sevilla
In Spain, Akor Adams found the back of the net for Sevilla in their 1-1 draw against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring in the 13th minute, registering his seventh league goal of the season.
His compatriot Chidera Ejuke also featured in the match, coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute, while Adams played the full 90 minutes.
Lookman Features for Atletico
Ademola Lookman was also in action in La Liga as Atletico Madrid secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday. The Nigerian winger made his fifth league appearance for Atletico but was substituted in the 53rd minute for Antoine Griezmann.
Mixed Fortunes in England
In England, Tolu Arokodare led the line for Wolves in their FA Cup fifth-round clash against Liverpool on Friday night. However, Wolves suffered a 3-1 defeat, with the Nigerian striker playing 75 minutes.
Meanwhile, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze featured for Fulham as they were eliminated from the FA Cup following a 1-0 home loss to Southampton on Sunday. Chukwueze played the entire match, while Iwobi was introduced in the 65th minute.
Ajayi Returns from Injury
In the Championship, Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi made his return from injury on Saturday. However, his comeback was overshadowed by Hull City’s 3-1 home defeat to Millwall at the MKM Stadium.
Ajayi had been sidelined since January 17 after suffering a hamstring injury during the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Action in France
Moses Simon featured for Paris FC in their 1-1 away draw against Lyon on Sunday. The Nigerian winger played 73 minutes in what was his 22nd league appearance of the season.
Elsewhere, Chidozie Awaziem was involved in Nantes’ 1-0 home defeat to Angers on Saturday. The Nigerian defender started the match but was substituted in the 75th minute.
Moffi Appears in Portuguese Derby
In Portugal, Terem Moffi featured for FC Porto in their 2-2 draw away to Benfica on Sunday. The Nigerian striker came off the bench in the 78th minute, marking his fourth league appearance of the season.
