Nigerian footballers shone brightly across Europe last weekend, producing a string of eye-catching performances that captured headlines from Spain to Turkey.
From Edna Imade’s decisive strike in the Spanish Women’s League to Maduka Okoye’s heroic saves in Italy, it was a weekend that reminded fans of the growing influence of Nigerian footballers abroad.
In Spain, Nigeria-eligible striker Edna Imade continued her remarkable run of form for Real Sociedad, scoring the only goal in their stunning 1-0 win over Barcelona on Sunday.
The 25-year-old converted a 37th-minute penalty after VAR spotted a handball in the box. The goal was her seventh in as many games this season.
In England, Chiamaka Nnadozie put in a brave display for Brighton Women, pulling off six vital saves in their 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. Despite her efforts, United’s clinical finishing proved too much as goals from Elisabeth Terland, Jess Park, and Lisa Naalsund sealed the points.
Meanwhile, Toni Payne continued her consistent run for Everton Women, featuring for 66 minutes in their thrilling 3-3 draw with Aston Villa. Although she wasn’t directly involved in the goals, her tireless work rate and movement off the ball helped Everton maintain their rhythm throughout the game.
In France, Chidozie Awaziem was again solid at the back for Nantes, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2-0 defeat to Metz. The Nigerian defender made several key interventions, blocking two shots and attempting three of his own, but Nantes’ struggles in front of goal left them hovering just above the relegation zone.
Over in Italy, Gift Orban played a pivotal role in Hellas Verona’s narrow 2-1 loss to Inter Milan. The forward assisted Giovane’s equaliser after combining neatly in the final third, but Verona were undone by Piotr Zielinski’s late set piece.
Orban now has two goals and one assist in eight Serie A matches and is beginning to find the form that once made him one of Europe’s most sought-after young strikers.
Another Nigerian, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, impressed for Pisa in their 2-2 draw at Torino. The 20-year-old midfielder, on loan from Inter Milan, was everywhere on the pitch, completing 22 of his 27 passes, winning four dribbles, and testing the goalkeeper three times.
Nigerian Footballers Record Mixed Results In Turkey
In Turkey, former Falconets star Flourish Sebastine continued her goal-scoring streak for Fenerbahce Women, netting in stoppage time to seal a 2-0 win over Trabzonspor. Since switching from Galatasaray, the 19-year-old has scored five goals in just three appearances, instantly becoming a fan favourite in Istanbul.
Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig clash between Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu ended goalless, with both strikers unable to find a breakthrough in the highly anticipated meeting between Galatasaray and Trabzonspor.
Osimhen was lively throughout and came close on a few occasions, but Andre Onana was outstanding in goal for the visitors. Onuachu, who leads the scoring charts with seven goals and an assist, was kept quiet by Galatasaray’s defence. The draw kept Galatasaray top of the table with 29 points, while Trabzonspor stayed in fifth with 24.
Back in England, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey played starring roles as Fulham ended their four-game losing run with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wolves at Craven Cottage.
Iwobi pulled the strings in midfield, linking play beautifully before being replaced late in the game by Adama Traore. Bassey was steady in defence, helping Fulham keep a clean sheet, while Samuel Chukwueze made a brief but bright appearance off the bench.
The BBC rated Iwobi at 7.42, Chukwueze at 7.25, and Bassey at 7.05, reflecting their solid contributions. For Wolves, substitute Tolu Arokodare struggled to make an impact and received a 3.01 rating.
In Italy’s Serie A, Maduka Okoye produced a man-of-the-match display for Udinese, keeping a clean sheet in their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Atalanta. The Super Eagles goalkeeper made several crucial saves, including a brilliant late stop from Davide Zappacosta, to secure the win.
Nicolò Zaniolo’s first-half strike proved enough for Udinese, while Ademola Lookman, who came on in the second half for Atalanta, was effectively neutralised.
Okoye’s commanding form has strengthened his case to become Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of their World Cup playoff against Gabon.
In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika marked his return from a hamstring injury as Club Brugge defeated Benjamin Fredrick’s Dender 2-1. Onyedika came on in the 63rd minute and steadied the midfield as Brugge held firm for the win. Fredrick, who started for Dender, couldn’t do much to prevent the loss despite a late consolation goal.
Before his injury, Onyedika had been one of Club Brugge’s most influential players, and his comeback is timely for both club and country as Nigeria prepares for key international fixtures.
