Nigerian footballers were in the spotlight across Europe and beyond last weekend, producing eye-catching displays in club competitions and once again underlining Nigeria’s growing influence on the global football stage.
Osimhen Hits Historic Milestone in Turkey
In Turkey, Victor Osimhen reached a major career landmark on Sunday, scoring the 200th senior goal of his career as Galatasaray cruised to a comfortable Super Lig victory over Kayserispor.
The prolific striker doubled Galatasaray’s lead in a dominant showing that further reinforced his status as one of Africa’s most feared forwards. Osimhen reached the milestone after 336 senior appearances for club and country, during which he has also provided 51 assists.
At club level, the Nigerian has scored 165 goals in 284 matches, enjoying his most productive spells at Napoli and Galatasaray. His club tally includes 76 goals in 133 games for Napoli, 51 in 61 matches for Galatasaray, 18 for Lille, 20 for Royal Charleroi SC, and a smaller return during his early spell at Wolfsburg.
For Nigeria, Osimhen has found the net 35 times in 51 appearances, strengthening his reputation as one of the country’s most effective forwards in recent history.
Beyond his goal against Kayserispor, Osimhen also registered an assist before being withdrawn in the 82nd minute, with Mauro Icardi later sealing the win from the penalty spot.
Joy Omewa Marks Debut with Goal in England
In England, Joy Omewa enjoyed a memorable debut for Nottingham Forest Women, scoring despite her side’s 5-1 loss to Birmingham City in Women’s Super League 2.
The Super Falcons forward, who only joined Fortuna Hjørring days earlier, showed composure and sharp movement to equalise shortly before halftime. Although Forest ultimately fell away, Omewa’s goal stood out as a bright moment in an otherwise difficult outing.
Her recent form has been exceptional, with goals in 15 of her last 16 league appearances. Omewa’s performance offered Forest fans encouragement ahead of their clash with Charlton on February 8, before a possible mid-February departure for WAFCON duty.
Aina Solid as Forest Hold Palace; Uche Gains Experience
Meanwhile, Ola Aina delivered a commanding defensive display for Nottingham Forest as they held Crystal Palace to a hard-fought draw despite playing with 10 men.
The Nigerian full-back recorded seven defensive actions, won eight of 10 ground duels, and was flawless in the air. He also made eight recoveries and four clearances, playing a key role as Forest withstood sustained pressure.
On the opposite side, Christantus Uche came off the bench for Crystal Palace, making his 12th league appearance of the season. The midfielder completed half of his passes, attempted a shot, and carried the ball close to 30 metres during his brief cameo. While he is yet to register a league goal or assist, Uche continues to gain valuable top-flight experience and has shown promise in European competition.
Iwobi, Chukwueze and Bassey Feature in Fulham’s Late Defeat
Alex Iwobi was influential for Fulham in their dramatic loss to Manchester United, completing 96 percent of his 75 passes and creating two key chances across the full 90 minutes. He also recorded 34 ball carries and covered more than 255 metres in possession, highlighting his midfield influence.
Samuel Chukwueze, handed a surprise start just days after the passing of his mother, delivered an energetic performance. He completed five successful dribbles, created a key chance, and narrowly had a goal ruled out for offside, standing out with his direct running and attacking intent.
Calvin Bassey, Fulham’s 2024/25 Player of the Season, was introduced late as the club pushed for an equaliser. Although the comeback fell short, his inclusion reflected the trust placed in him during crucial moments.
Babajide Delivers Late Drama for Roma Women
In Italy, Babajide scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to earn AS Roma Women a 3-3 draw against Parma.
Introduced in the 59th minute, the Super Falcons winger headed home in the ninth minute of added time, marking her third goal for Roma and her first league strike since making her Serie A debut earlier this season.
The result extended Roma’s seven-match unbeaten run and kept them top of the Serie A Femminile table with 29 points, five clear of Inter. Her compatriot Shukurat Oladipo continued her regular role in defence as Roma now turn their attention to an upcoming clash with AC Milan.
Taiwo Lawal Scores Again in Mexico
In Mexico, Taiwo Lawal maintained her impressive form for Mazatlán FC, scoring in their emphatic 5-0 victory over Necaxa.
The Nigerian forward netted the third goal of the match, taking her season tally to five and keeping her position as the club’s leading scorer, one goal ahead of Abigail López. Mazatlán currently sit 11th in the league with 10 points and will next face Pachuca, where Lawal could come up against fellow Nigerian Chinwendu Ihezuo.
Okonkwo Keeps Wrexham on Promotion Path
Arthur Okonkwo continued his fine run between the posts for Wrexham, keeping a clean sheet in their 1-0 away win over Sheffield Wednesday.
The goalkeeper has now recorded seven clean sheets in 27 appearances, alongside 77 saves this season. Wrexham sit sixth in the Championship and remain firmly in the promotion play-off race, with Okonkwo’s consistency proving crucial.
Durosinmi Makes Immediate Impact in Italy
In Italy, Rafiu Durosinmi made an instant impact for Pisa, providing the assist for their only goal in a 3-1 defeat to Sassuolo.
Introduced at halftime, Durosinmi needed just five minutes to influence the game. It marked his first assist for the club since joining from the Czech Republic and his second direct goal contribution, following his debut strike against Atalanta.
Despite the defeat, Durosinmi’s sharp performance once again caught the eye, while his compatriot Ebenezer Akinsanmiro remained an unused substitute.
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