It was business as usual for several Nigerian forwards across Europe at the weekend, with Super Eagles stars and hopefuls making their presence felt in Turkey, England, Italy, and the Netherlands. From impressive displays to notable milestones, the Nigerian contingent had plenty to celebrate.
After his heroics against Lille in the UEFA Champions League, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen grabbed a brace to lead his Galatasaray past arch-rivals Fenerbahçe 2-1 in the Turkish Süper Lig on Monday evening. The 27-year-old has now recorded 12 goal contributions this season, with nine goals and three assists, underlining his growing influence at the Turkish champions.
Also in Turkey, Ibrahim Olawoyin stood out for Rizespor in their narrow 4-3 home defeat to Trabzonspor. Rize led two nil at first via a double from Gennaro Borrelli but the visitors, who were without Paul Onuachu due to a muscle problem, rallied back in the second half thanks to goals from Melih Kabasakal, Aral Simsir and a brace from Franculino. Qazim Laci scored the third goal for the hosts, but they lost in the end. Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu played all 90 minutes for Trabz.
Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi and Besiktas left it late to beat Basaksehir on Monday evening. Goals from Hyeon-Gyu Oh and Junior Olaitan steered the side to another home win and just four points behind league leaders Gala.
Forgotten Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem scored a surprise brace to fire Konyaspor to a well-deserved home victory over Genclerbirligi in the Turkish Super Lig, inspiring the White Eagles back to winning ways.
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho found the net before being forced off through injury in Bursaspor’s thrilling 4-2 away win over Keçiörengücü on Sunday evening. The Nigerian forward extended his scoring streak to 12 consecutive matches in Turkish football as Bursaspor came from behind to secure victory in the second division.
In the Saudi Pro League, Super Eagles forward George Ilenikhena continued his impressive scoring run, scoring in Al-Ittihad’s hard-fought home win over Al-Diriyah. Ilenikhena has now scored in back-to-back matches, registering two goals and an assist since returning from the international break.
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In the Netherlands, Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive scoring run for Ajax by netting the winner at Sparta. Abdellah Ouazane opened the scoring for Ajax before Jens Toornstra equalized for the hosts. However, Arokodare, who recently became a centurion, restored Ajax’s lead moments later, and that was enough to help his side take all three points.
In England, midfielder Alex Iwobi played 74 minutes for Fulham in their 1-0 win at Coventry. Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey also featured, playing the full 90 minutes. The duo were impressive in the contest as they helped the Cottagers to back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time this season. Super Eagles duo of Frank Onyeka and Taiwo Awoniyi also featured for Coventry City in the contest.
Defender Semi Ajayi and Hull City continued their fine start to the new Premier League season with a 1-1 home draw against Brentford. The former West Brom defender was named the man of the match for his wonderful performance at the heart of the defence.
In Italy, Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro featured for Monza in their narrow 3-2 defeat to Torino. It was the midfielder’s fourth consecutive league appearance for Monza, having already registered one assist in the campaign. Maduka Okoye‘s Udinese fell 2-0 to AC Milan at home. Despite the goalkeeper’s heroics, it could not stop Udine from losing their sixth Serie A game in a row.
Emmanuel Ayaosi continued his impressive form in the Czech First League, providing a crucial assist as SK Slavia Prague secured a 1-1 draw against Mladá Boleslav on Saturday evening. Emmanuel Godwin also delivered a strong performance to help Pardubice win 2-1 at Viktoria Plzen.
