It was a return to regular business for most Nigerian forwards at the weekend. From Turkey to England, Italy, France, Germany and the Netherlands, Super Eagles stars and hopefuls made their mark across Europe, delivering standout performances and hitting significant milestones along the way.
In Turkey, Paul Onuachu is off and running in the new season, as he scored twice in Trabzonspor’s 5-0 home victory over Genclerbirligi in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday. Last season’s golden boot winner had gone five games without scoring in all competitions before the game, but his evening was cut short as he was taken off just before halftime due to injury. Defender Chibuike Nwaiwu also featured for the home side.
Also, Victor Osimhen continued his fine start to the season with a goal in Galatasaray’s 3-2 win at Istanbul Başakşehir on Friday. The Nigerian striker, who now has six goals and two assists in just four Super Lig appearances, was also forced off due to injury in the game.
Super Eagles hopeful Gift Orban delivered a man-of-the-match performance on Sunday evening, scoring a brace to help Amedspor, who were down by two goals, earn a 2-2 draw against Kasimpasa. The forward has now scored in back-to-back games for Amedspor, taking his season contributions to three goals and one assist.
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho struck twice on Thursday night as Bursaspor cruised to a 4-0 victory, scoring the opening and final goals of another emphatic win. He has now scored six times and added two more assists in his opening five games for the club.
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In the Netherlands, Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive scoring run for Ajax despite his side suffering a 3-1 home defeat to PSV Eindhoven in Saturday’s Eredivisie clash. Arokodare, on loan from Wolves, extended his scoring streak to four consecutive games with a goal.
In England, midfielder Alex Iwobi became a centurion for Fulham in their 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday. The former Arsenal man made his 100th Premier League appearance for Fulham, becoming the first African footballer and only the fifth player overall to make at least 100 appearances in the competition for three different clubs. Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey also featured for Fulham against Crystal Palace, playing the full 90 minutes.
Defender Semi Ajayi and Hull City continued their fine start to the new Premier League season with a goalless draw against Aston Villa, while Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka suffered a narrow defeat with Coventry City at Manchester City.
In Italy, Samuel Chukwueze continued his resurgence under Ruben Amorim with another assist for AC Milan in their 1-1 draw against Juventus in Sunday’s top clash. The winger has now registered two assists in three league appearances this season as he continues to contribute to Milan’s attacking play.
Meanwhile, Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro featured for Monza in their 1-1 draw against Parma. It was the midfielder’s second appearance of the season for Monza, having already registered one assist in the campaign.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept a clean sheet in Chippa United’s goalless draw against Milford. It was his second clean sheet of the season in five league appearances.
