Another weekend, another great run for some Super Eagles strikers making headlines with their goal-scoring prowess, while Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface emerged as the standout performer of the weekend. Here’s a detailed roundup of Nigerian football players and their performances over the weekend
Italy
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen, known for his energetic displays, had a frustrating outing as he couldn’t find the back of the net against the formidable Red and Blues of Bologna. Osimhen missed a penalty in the 72nd minute and was subbed off in the 86th minute of the game. After being subbed off, Osimhen seemed furious at Coach Rudi Garcia for the decision to replace him with Giovanni Simeone, although Rudi Garcia has allayed fears about a rift. The defending champions remain anchored in 7th place on the Serie A table.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman continued to dazzle for Gasperini’s side, contributing significantly to their 2-0 home win at the Gewiss Stadium. Lookman’s rapid dribbling skills were on full display, particularly in the 25th minute when he took on three Cagliari players and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that rattled the crossbar. His reward came in the 33rd minute with a straightforward tap-in from De Ketlaere’s precise cross.
Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze still faces challenges breaking into AC Milan’s starting lineup and was an unused substitute during Milan’s victory against Verona. Rafael Leao’s 8th-minute goal proved sufficient to secure the win.
France
Terem Moffi
Fresh off his spectacular performance against PSG, starred in Nice’s 1-0 victory over Monaco. Though he didn’t find the net this time, he remained a constant threat to the Monaco defense. Moffi was substituted in the 78th minute as Nice preserved their 1-0 lead.
Moses Simon
Nantes experienced a resurgence in the French Ligue 1, with Moses Simon playing a pivotal role in their triumph. Simon, in his full glory, helped Nantes thrash Lorient 5-3 at home, scoring a crucial penalty in the 90th minute. Nantes has since climbed from 15th to 9th place in the league standings.
Germany
Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface’s name resonated loudly once again at the Bay Arena as he netted twice in the 9th and 74th minutes. His 9th-minute goal was a joy to behold, as he outmuscled defender Mainka to slot the ball past goalkeeper Kevin Muller.
England
Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi
Leicester City’s Championship dominance continued on Saturday, with Wilfred Ndidi playing for 88 minutes and Kelechi Iheanacho appearing for a 10-minute cameo in their 1-0 win over Bristol City at the King Power Stadium. Ndidi’s command of the Leicester City midfield continues as does coach Enzo Maresca’s continued faith in him as the club’s quest to return to the Premier League continues.
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi both played 75 minutes for Nottingham Forest but couldn’t prevent a defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the English Premier League curtain raiser. They were eventually replaced by Chris Wood and Divock Origi, respectively.
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi entered the game in the 75th minute, replacing Alex Pereira, but couldn’t help Fulham break the deadlock against Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey remained an unused substitute in the match.
Frank Onyeka
Frank Onyeka made another substitute appearance, coming on for Brentford in the 61st minute in the team’s 3-1 loss to Everton at the Gtech Community Stadium. Unfortunately, his presence couldn’t prevent Brentford from suffering back-to-back losses.
Scotland
Cyril Dessers
The out-of-favor Cyril Dessers, found the scoresheet for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, scoring the lone goal in the 24th minute to secure a win against Motherwell, helping Rangers retain their 3rd position on the league table.
Belgium
Gift Orban
Gift Orban was shown a straight red card in the 45th minute after he hit an Eupen defender in the face in an off-the-ball phase of play. Despite the numerical disadvantage, KAA Gent managed to secure a 2-1 win. Before Orban left the pitch he had created 2 chances in the game, which were the most created by anyone in the game. Gift Orban is now set to miss Gent’s next 3 games.