It was a weekend of contrasting fortunes for Nigerian footballers around the world, with several enduring disappointing outings while a few managed standout performances for their respective clubs.
From Kelechi Iheanacho’s frustrating night in Scotland to Stanley Nwabali’s struggles in South Africa, the results were largely disappointing—though a handful of Nigerian stars provided some much-needed positives.
Tough Outings Across Europe and Africa
In Scotland, Celtic suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat to Dundee at Dens Park, ending a 40-year unbeaten run at the venue. Kelechi Iheanacho was active throughout, taking five shots and hitting the post once, but his failure to convert chances summed up a frustrating performance as Celtic fell five points behind Rangers in the Premiership title race.
In France, Moses Simon endured a quiet game in Paris FC’s 2-1 loss to Lens. The winger struggled to make an impact and was substituted in the 63rd minute—moments before Lens grabbed the winning goal. Paris FC now sit mid-table after a patchy run of results.
In South Africa, Stanley Nwabali could do little to prevent Chippa United’s 2-1 loss to Marumo Gallants. Despite making four crucial saves, poor defending cost his side again, leaving them bottom of the PSL with just six points from ten matches.
In Belgium, teenage defender Benjamin Fredrick continued his development despite Dender’s 3-1 defeat to Mechelen. Coming off the bench in the 72nd minute, the 19-year-old impressed with his calmness and distribution, though his team remains winless after eleven games.
In Italy, Ademola Lookman was a standout performer in Atalanta’s 0-0 draw with Lazio. The winger forced two fine saves from Ivan Provedel and remained a constant attacking threat before being substituted in the 82nd minute.
Nigerians Who Shone Bright
Amid the weekend struggles, several Nigerian players delivered stellar performances across different leagues.
In Kazakhstan, Geoffrey Chinedu stole the show with a hat-trick in Astana’s 5-3 victory over Aktobe, scoring in the 10th, 34th, and 50th minutes. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award and took his season tally to eight goals in 24 games.
In Spain, Edna Imade continued her exceptional form by scoring twice in Real Sociedad’s 3-0 win over Eibar. The forward has now netted six goals in six games, scoring in five consecutive matches—sparking renewed calls for her inclusion in Nigeria’s WAFCON qualifiers squad.
In the United States, Victor Olatunji bagged a brace for Real Salt Lake in a 2-2 draw with St. Louis City, helping his team secure an MLS playoff berth. The 26-year-old now has four goals and one assist in just eight appearances.
Elsewhere in the MLS, Alhassan Yusuf returned from injury in style for New England Revolution, scoring and providing an assist in a 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire. His goal, coming just 44 seconds into the match, was the club’s fastest this season.
Iwobi Breaks Premier League Record
In England, Alex Iwobi reached a major career milestone despite Fulham’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. The midfielder made his 299th Premier League appearance, becoming Nigeria’s most-capped player in the competition’s history.
Facing his former club, Iwobi created four chances and showed flashes of creativity, though he couldn’t help Fulham find an equalizer.
Also in the Premier League, Taiwo Awoniyi made his long-awaited return from injury for Nottingham Forest in their defeat to Chelsea, showing glimpses of sharpness and strength.
More Nigerian Highlights Abroad
In Turkey, Victor Osimhen featured briefly in Galatasaray’s 2-1 win over Başakşehir, hitting the post during a lively 16-minute cameo as he continues his recovery from injury. Meanwhile, Paul Onuachu maintained his impressive scoring form, netting in Trabzonspor’s 2-0 win over Rizespor—his fourth goal in four consecutive matches.
In the Czech Republic, Rafiu Durosinmi was on target once again in Viktoria Plzen’s 2-0 victory over Bohemians Praha, making it three goals in his last three matches.
Over in Mexico, Lawal Taiwo found the net for the first time in weeks, while Vivian Ikechukwu provided an assist in Santos Laguna’s 2-1 win over Mazatlán, a result that lifted the team to 15th place and boosted morale after a run of poor form.
Despite a weekend filled with ups and downs, Nigerian footballers continue to make their mark across the globe—with Alex Iwobi’s record-breaking milestone standing out as a proud moment for the country.
