Nigerian footballers enjoyed a weekend of mixed fortunes across Europe, with Chidozie Awaziem and Kelechi Iheanacho stealing the headlines with impressive scoring performances. While Awaziem netted twice to inspire Konyaspor to victory in Turkey, Iheanacho continued his remarkable goalscoring run for Bursaspor.
Awaziem Scores Twice to Inspire Konyaspor
In Turkey, Chidozie Awaziem delivered a standout performance, scoring twice as Konyaspor secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Super Lig over the weekend. The Nigerian defender broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time, giving the hosts a crucial advantage heading into the break. Awaziem struck again 11 minutes into the second half, reacting quickest inside the box after Gençlerbirliği failed to clear a corner kick. His brace secured all three points for Konyaspor and brought an end to their three-match winless run in the league.
Iheanacho Extends Remarkable Scoring Streak
Kelechi Iheanacho continued his outstanding form in front of goal, scoring for the 12th consecutive game as Bursaspor defeated Keçiörengücü 4-2 in the Turkish second division on Sunday. The Nigerian striker found the net five minutes into the second half, scoring Bursaspor’s third goal of the contest as they strengthened their position with an entertaining victory. The 30-year-old has now registered an impressive 16 goals and three assists in 12 appearances for the club this season, underlining his importance to Bursaspor’s attacking setup.
Arokodare Fires Ajax to Victory
In the Netherlands, Tolu Arokodare was on target for Ajax, scoring the decisive goal in their 2-1 victory over Sparta Rotterdam. The Nigerian forward struck shortly before half-time, giving his side the advantage they needed to claim all three points. Arokodare’s latest contribution takes his tally to nine goals and three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions this season.
Iwobi Matches Salah’s Premier League Appearance Record
In England, Alex Iwobi reached a significant milestone in Premier League history, becoming the joint-second most-capped African player in the competition. The Fulham midfielder achieved the landmark during his side’s 1-0 victory over Coventry City at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Saturday.
Iwobi has now made 328 Premier League appearances, matching the tally of former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah. Only former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Touré, who recorded 353 appearances, stands ahead of the pair on the all-time list of African players. The Nigerian international’s appearances include 100 for Arsenal, 123 for Everton and 104 for Fulham, making him Nigeria’s leading appearance-maker in Premier League history. He is ahead of former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi, who made 298 appearances.
Calvin Bassey also featured for Fulham in the encounter, while Nigerian internationals Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka came on as second-half substitutes for Coventry City in the 67th minute.
Ajayi Features as Hull City Share the Points
Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi played the full 90 minutes as Hull City were held to a 1-1 draw by Brentford in their Premier League encounter on Sunday. Ajayi’s full-match involvement provided another opportunity for the defender to contribute to his side’s efforts as they settled for a share of the points.
Dessers Continues Goalscoring Run in Greece
In Greece, Cyriel Dessers maintained his impressive scoring form, finding the net for the fourth consecutive game as Panathinaikos recorded a narrow 1-0 away win over Volos on Sunday. The Super Eagles striker’s latest goal proved decisive, securing a valuable victory for his team. Dessers has now scored six goals in 11 appearances this season, continuing to demonstrate his consistency in front of goal.
Lookman Features in Atlético Madrid Victory
In Spain, Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman featured for Atlético Madrid as they edged Deportivo La Coruña 1-0 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Saturday. The Nigerian international made his 10th La Liga appearance of the season for Diego Simeone’s side, delivering an energetic performance during the first half before being substituted ahead of the second period.
Okoye Suffers Defeat Against AC Milan
In Italy, Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was between the posts for Udinese as they suffered a 2-0 home defeat to AC Milan in Serie A on Sunday. The shot-stopper made his seventh appearance of the campaign but was unable to prevent his side from losing. Okoye has now conceded 18 goals this season.
Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian Samuel Chukwueze missed the match for AC Milan as he continues his recovery from injury.
Elsewhere in Serie A, Akor Adams played the entire match for Venezia as they suffered a narrow 1-0 away defeat against Genoa on Sunday.
Moses Simon Enters as Paris FC Fall to Lens
In France, Super Eagles winger Moses Simon featured as a second-half substitute for Paris FC in their 2-1 defeat away to Lens in Ligue 1 on Saturday. Simon was introduced as his side sought to influence the contest, but Paris FC ultimately fell short of securing a positive result.
Tella and Boniface Experience Difficult Day in Germany
In Germany, Nathan Tella featured for Bayer Leverkusen as they suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga on Sunday. Tella, making his third league appearance of the campaign, played for 64 minutes before being substituted as Leverkusen struggled to find a way back into the contest.
His compatriot Victor Boniface, meanwhile, remained an unused substitute and watched the entire match from the bench.
