Exciting football action unfolded across Europe over the weekend, and Nigerian players left their mark on their respective teams, contributing to both victory and defeat. From Victor Osimhen’s determined efforts in Italy to Victor Boniface’s role as the focal point for Bayern Leverkusen in Germany and Moses Simon’s spectacular goal in France, here’s a roundup of Nigerian football players and their performances over the weekend:
Italy
Victor Osimhen
Napoli’s target man, Osimhen, was unable to find the back of the net this weekend against Genoa. He found it hard to break through a strong defensive duo of Mattia Bani and Radu Dragusin, despite being on the pitch for 90 minutes of regulation time. After drawing blanks this weekend, he will be eager to add to his five-goal tally in the Italian Serie A next weekend.
Ademola Lookman
Following his fantastic performance for the Super Eagles against Sao Tome and Principe, Ademola Lookman rediscovered his goal-scoring form when the league resumed for Atalanta against Fiorentina. His 53rd-minute equalizer, however, couldn’t secure a point for Atalanta as they succumbed to a 76th-minute winner by Christian Kouame.
Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze and his Rossoneri teammates faced a bitter defeat in a one-sided derby. Chukwueze, still awaiting his first start, was named on the bench for the game and later introduced into the fray, but he couldn’t do much to help Milan avoid defeat.
France
Terem Moffi
It was a memorable day for Olympique Gymnaste Club de Nice as Terem Moffi displayed dangerous form by scoring a brace in the 21st and 68th minute against Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain. Moffi’s performance played a pivotal role in Nice securing three valuable points away from home at Parc des Princes.
https://twitter.com/sse_nga/status/1703725676044382703?s=46
Moses Simon
Moses Simon’s sensational 25-yard strike in the 48th minute was the lone goal that Nantes needed to claim their first three points of the season. With this goal, Nantes have climbed to 15th place in the standings, having played five games, with two losses, two draws, and one win.
https://twitter.com/ligue1ubereats/status/1703683017699377306?s=46
Germany
Victor Boniface
In a thrilling game at the Allianz Arena, Victor Boniface led Leverkusen’s attack for the entire 90 minutes. Although he couldn’t find the back of the net, his contributions in creating build-up plays and spaces for his teammates were instrumental in the top-of-the-table clash.
England
Jamilu Collins
Collins, a returning Super Eagles player, provided an assist as Cardiff City secured their second victory of the season, defeating Swansea City 2-0. The defender set up Ollie Tanner’s first goal for Cardiff, and Aaron Ramsey added another from the penalty spot.
Semi Ajayi and Josh Maja
Semi Ajayi and Josh Maja had a quiet outing for West Brom in a goalless draw against Bristol City at Ashton Gate Stadium in the Championship.
Elijah Adebayo
Luton Town’s challenging start to the Premier League season continued with a 1-0 defeat to Fulham. Adebayo came on as a second-half substitute, but couldn’t help Luton break their streak of defeat, extending their winless run to four games in the English Premier League.
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey
Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey came off the bench to help Fulham secure their 1-0 win against Luton Town at Craven Cottage. This match marked Iwobi’s debut for Fulham after his move from Everton.
Frank Onyeka
Frank Onyeka made a 72nd-minute appearance as a substitute for Thomas Frank’s Brentford side, which lost by a lone goal to Newcastle at St James’ Park in an exciting encounter. Onyeka’s introduction however had little impact on Brentford’s performance.
Greece
William Troost-Ekong
Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong featured for his new club PAOK in their goalless draw against Aris on Sunday. This marked his second start in the league, and PAOK currently sits fourth on the table with seven points.
Belgium
Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha
After receiving their maiden call-ups to the Super Eagles, Gift Orban and Jordan Torunarigha returned to the starting lineup for Gent in the Belgium Jupiler Pro League. They played the full duration of the game, which ended in a 1-1 draw against Leuven. Jonatan Brunes gave Leuven an early lead before Ismael Kandouss restored parity for Gent before halftime.