Nigerian footballers enjoyed an eventful weekend across Europe, with Terem Moffi and Chibuike Nwaiwu finding the net, Victor Osimhen returning from injury with an assist, and Kelechi Iheanacho extending his remarkable scoring streak. Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey reached a significant Premier League milestone as several other Super Eagles stars featured for their respective clubs.
Germany: Moffi Opens Bundesliga Goal Account
Terem Moffi opened his Bundesliga scoring account for Hamburg in dramatic fashion, helping his side secure a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim on Saturday. Hamburg were trailing 2-1 when the Nigerian international came off the bench in the 76th minute. Seven minutes later, Moffi restored parity with a crucial equaliser to put his team back on level terms. The striker has now featured in all five of Hamburg’s league matches this season, and his latest contribution could prove important as he continues to settle into life in Germany.
Turkey: Nwaiwu Scores as Osimhen Returns in Style
Chibuike Nwaiwu scored his first goal of the season for Trabzonspor as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Samsunspor in Saturday’s Black Sea derby. The Super Eagles defender doubled Trabzonspor’s advantage in the 38th minute after Samsunspor goalkeeper Okan Kocuk failed to hold a shot from Muçi. Nwaiwu reacted quickly to the rebound and finished the opportunity to strengthen his side’s grip on the contest.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen marked his return from injury with an assist as Galatasaray defeated Kasimpasa 3-1 in an Istanbul derby. The Nigerian striker had been sidelined for a month with an injury before returning as a substitute for Deniz Gul in the 77th minute. He wasted little time making an impact, setting up Mario Lemina for Galatasaray’s third goal deep into stoppage time to seal the victory. Osimhen has registered six goals and three assists in five Turkish Super Lig appearances this season.
In the Turkish second division, Kelechi Iheanacho continued his outstanding scoring run despite Bursaspor suffering a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Mardin 1969 Spor on Sunday. Bursaspor fell behind in the 21st minute, but Iheanacho drew his team level in the 81st minute with a superb strike from outside the penalty area. Although his goal was not enough to prevent defeat, the Nigerian forward extended his scoring streak to nine consecutive matches for Bursaspor. He has now recorded 12 goals and two assists in all competitions this season.
England: Bassey Reaches Premier League Milestone
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey reached a significant career milestone on Saturday, making his 100th Premier League appearance in his side’s 2-1 defeat away to Ipswich Town. The 26-year-old Nigerian international played the full 90 minutes, bringing his Premier League appearance tally to 100 and becoming the 28th Nigerian player to reach the landmark. Across those appearances, Bassey has contributed three goals and one assist. The milestone represents another notable achievement for the defender, who has made six league appearances this season.
His compatriot Alex Iwobi also featured for Fulham, playing until the 87th minute before making way for Emile Smith Rowe.
Elsewhere, Ola Aina featured for Nottingham Forest in their 3-1 away defeat to Crystal Palace. The Nigerian full-back played 83 minutes of the encounter.
In the Championship, Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered an impressive performance as Birmingham City secured a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Saturday. The 28-year-old Super Eagles defender was named Man of the Match after playing the full 90 minutes and making a significant contribution to Birmingham’s defensive efforts. He recorded six defensive contributions, three clearances and 11 recoveries in his ninth league appearance of the season.
Netherlands: Arokodare Finds the Net for Ajax
Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare was on target for AFC Ajax in their 1-1 draw against NEC on Saturday. Arokodare opened the scoring in the seventh minute, giving Ajax an early advantage. However, his effort was not enough to secure all three points, as NEC fought back to earn a share of the spoils. The forward was substituted in the 73rd minute after another productive outing. He has now scored seven goals and provided two assists in all competitions this season, including four league goals.
Italy: Chukwueze Impresses as Milan Drop Points
Nigerian internationals Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro were both involved in Lazio’s 3-1 victory over 10-man Monza at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. Dele-Bashiru came on in the 61st minute for Lazio, while Akinsanmiro played the entire match for Monza as the hosts claimed a convincing win.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze delivered an encouraging performance for AC Milan in their 1-1 draw against Sassuolo at the Mapei Stadium on Sunday evening. Making his sixth league appearance of the campaign, Chukwueze featured for 85 minutes and impressed with his contribution despite Milan being unable to secure victory.
Spain: Lookman Features in Atletico Madrid Victory
Ademola Lookman was in action as Atletico Madrid continued their winning run in LaLiga with a hard-fought 2-1 away victory over Deportivo Alaves on Saturday. The Nigerian forward was named in Atletico’s starting lineup, making his seventh league appearance of the campaign. However, his involvement ended at half-time when he was substituted in the 46th minute.
France: Nnadi Returns as Marseille Beat Troyes
Super Eagles midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi made his long-awaited return to action as Olympique de Marseille defeated Troyes 2-0 in their Ligue 1 encounter at the Stade de l’Aube on Sunday. The Nigerian midfielder had endured a frustrating spell on the sidelines due to injury but was finally back in action, coming on as a substitute in the 73rd minute.
