Ahead of this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, a host of Super Eagles players have hit top form as Nigeria hopes to stage a fightback in the qualification race, www.aclsports.com reports.
Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, reigning African Footballer of the Year and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Sadeeq Umar, Chidera Ejuke, and Alex Iwobi all made impact for their respective clubs at the weekend.
Osimhen, who leads the list of forwards called up by Eric Chelle in his provisional list, scored the winning goal for Gala in their 2-1 Turkish Super Lig comeback win over Alanyaspor. The Napoli loanee created a room for himself in a difficult position to head home the winner from Baris Yilmaz’s cross just after the hour mark. By virtue of the win, Gala moved seven points clear of second-placed Fenerbahce.
Ademola Lookman 🔥
— Official54fx (@54footballx) March 9, 2025
13th goal of the season ✅
He’s turned up against every big Italian club this season. 🔥
🆚 Juventus ⚽️
🆚 AC Milan ⚽️
🆚 Napoli ⚽️⚽️⚽️
🆚 Lazio 🅰️
🆚 Fiorentina ⚽️🅰️#54footballx pic.twitter.com/hTs2m2xNR3
In Italy, Lookman joined the scoring party as Atalanta humiliated Juventus 4-0 in Turin. Lookman, who has been in great form recently, scored the game’s final goal to complete La Dea’s total domination. Lookman’s goal marked his 50th for Atalanta, adding to his 21 assists in 109 appearances. In addition, the win took Atalanta within touching distance of the top two once again with 10 games to go.
Meanwhile, Chidera Ejuke also scored the winner to help Sevilla beat Real Sociedad 1-0 away from home. The tricky winger was set up by Sevilla captain Saúl after a quick one-two with Isaac Romero, and the former Gombe United man worked out an angle to curl the ball home just after the break. The win propelled Sevilla to 10th on the log.
Also in Spain, Sadiq Umar continued his recent scoring form to help Valencia beat Valladolid 2-1 on Saturday. The lanky striker scored the winner just before the hour mark to lead Los Che to their first win in four games.
In England, midfielder Alex Iwobi provided the assist for Fulham’s only goal in their narrow 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the Premier League. It was his 11th goal contribution (7G 4A) in the Premier League this season.
More importantly, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will be pleased with the form of the boys ahead of the important WCQ against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
