Victor Osimhen’s unusual situation at Napoli dominated discussions throughout the week, but he silenced the off-pitch drama with his exceptional on-field performance. He led the way for Nigerian players representing their European clubs over the weekend, showcasing their impressive contribution. Here’s a glimpse of their remarkable performances from Italy to England
Italy
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen had experienced an unusual week with a video mocking his previous penalty miss against Bologna, posted on Napoli’s official TikTok account, causing quite a stir. However, Osimhen let his performance on the pitch do the talking during a midweek match against Udinese, where he netted Napoli’s second goal in the 39th minute during their dominant 4-0 victory over the Bianconeri. Then, over the weekend, Osimhen displayed his goal-scoring prowess in the 51st minute, initiating a counterattack from Napoli’s half and ultimately connecting with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s cross to produce a spectacular goal helping Napoli grab a 4-0 win against Lecce.
Ademola Lookman
In Gasperenni’s team, Ademola Lookman produced a subdued performance during Atlanta’s 0-0 draw against Juventus at the Gewiss Stadium. Despite his dazzling runs, Lookman couldn’t make a significant impact in the 65 minutes he played before being substituted for Luis Muriel.
Samuel Chukwueze
In the 82nd minute of AC Milan’s 2-0 victory against Lazio, Samuel Chukwueze was substituted onto the field, replacing Christian Pulisic. Chukwueze’s entry was aimed at disrupting Lazio’s defensive structure, and he successfully fulfilled this role during his brief 8-minute appearance.
France
Terem Moffi
Terem Moffi once again fired blanks in his second consecutive game in a goalless draw against Brest at the Allianz Riviera. Moffi was on the pitch for 83 minutes before being replaced by Evan Guessand
Moses Simon
Moses Simon’s 90 minutes on the pitch of play for Nantes could not help them avoid a 3-1 defeat against Rennes at Roazhon Park leaving Nantes in the 13th position one point behind Marseille
Akor Adams
The 23-year-old Nigerian, Akor Adams, had a stellar weekend representing La Paillade. Adams opened the scoring for Montpellier with a fantastic 30th-minute goal at the Stade de la Mosson. Then, in the 89th minute, Adams showcased his quick dribbling skill by outmaneuvering both the goalkeeper Mvogo and defender Talbi, securing a 3-0 victory for La Paillade against Lorient.
Germany
Victor Boniface
Xabi Alonso’s Bayern Leverkusen have risen to the top of the Bundesliga table. This early charge to the title in Germany has been led by Victor Boniface. Although he couldn’t find the back of the net in their victorious clash against Mainz. Despite his goalless performance, Leverkusen still secured a 3–0 win, and Boniface was substituted in the 75th minute of the match.
England
Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi
Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi show no signs of slowing down as they propel Leicester City forward in the Championship. In their recent match against Blackburn Rovers, Iheanacho found the back of the net and Ndidi contributed an assist, pushing Leicester City to the top of the table with a convincing 4-1 victory. Ndidi’s well-timed assist led to Jamie Vardy’s second goal, bringing the score to 2-1 in favor of Leicester. Iheanacho, coming off the bench, added to their lead by converting a penalty, making it 3-1, before Dewsbury-Hall sealed the match. Ndidi’s spectacular performance earned him the Sky Bet Player of the Match award.
@ndidi25fans
Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi
Taiwo Awoniyi’s early goal was disallowed due to an offside call, and despite his presence on the field for 80 minutes, he couldn’t secure a victory for Nottingham Forest, who were down to 10 players. Instead, they managed to come from behind and settle for a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Sunday. Ola Aina, who had received considerable media attention leading up to the match, was not included in the game’s lineup.
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey continue to face challenges in securing a spot in Fulham’s starting eleven. Their struggles persisted this weekend as Fulham faced a tough defeat at Craven Cottage against Chelsea. In the match, Alex Iwobi entered the game as a substitute in the 52nd minute, while Calvin Bassey remained an unused substitute throughout the match.
Frank Onyeka
Onyeka made another impactful appearance as a substitute, contributing 22 minutes for Brentford in their Sunday clash against 10-man Forest at the City Ground. This marked his fifth appearance of the season for Thomas Frank’s side.
Joe Aribo
Aribo made a brief but significant appearance in the English Championship on Saturday, featuring in the final five minutes as Southampton secured their fourth victory of the season with a 3-1 triumph over Leeds United. Despite his impactful contributions off the bench, the midfielder has yet to earn a starting position in a league game for the Saints this season. Southampton currently occupies the 10th position in the Championship table.
Turkey
Paul Onachu
Life in the Turkish league has started well for the lanky Nigerian, on loan from Southampton Paul Onachu once again got himself on the score sheet in Trabzonspor’s 2-1 win against Pendikspor- the goal increased his tally to 3 goals in 3 appearances for the Burgundy Blues
.