Nigerian players delivered a weekend of mixed fortunes across Europe, with goals, assists and historic milestones overshadowed by injury concerns for two of the Super Eagles’ key strikers.
Victor Osimhen continued his remarkable start to the season, scoring his sixth goal in four matches for Galatasaray in a 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir. However, the Nigerian striker was forced off with a groin strain that will sideline him for up to three weeks. The injury means Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s crucial AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as Galatasaray’s Champions League opener.
Paul Onuachu also responded to his critics with a brace for Trabzonspor in a 5-0 thrashing of Genclerbirligi, ending a nine-game goal drought. The giant striker, however, hobbled off with an injury just before halftime. The severity of his injury is yet to be ascertained, making him a major doubt for the upcoming international break.
Samuel Chukwueze delivered a transformative performance for AC Milan in their 1-1 draw with Juventus. Coming off the bench, the Nigerian winger provided a brilliant assist for Alphadjo Cisse’s goal in the 68th minute. Italian football outlet Sempre Milan awarded Chukwueze a 7.5 rating for his display.
Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive scoring run for Ajax, finding the net for the fourth consecutive match in a 3-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven. Arokodare has now scored five goals in his last four matches for the Dutch giants.
In England, Alex Iwobi reached a historic milestone, making his 100th Premier League appearance for Fulham, becoming the first-ever African and only the fifth player in Premier League history to reach 100 appearances for three different clubs, after previously hitting the mark with Arsenal and Everton. Zadok Yohanna made his Premier League debut for Brighton & Hove Albion in their 4-0 victory over Aston Villa.
Chidera Ejuke scored a spectacular goal for Sevilla in their 3-1 win over Athletic Club at San Mamés. Bruno Onyemaechi ended a 42-game wait for his first Olympiakos goal, finding the net in a 4-0 Greek Cup victory. Kelechi Iheanacho scored another brace for Bursaspor in the Turkish second division, taking his tally to five goals in as many games. George Ilenikhena scored twice in the Saudi Pro League, including against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.
The winners: Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Alex Iwobi, Chidera Ejuke, Bruno Onyemaechi, Kelechi Iheanacho, and George Ilenikhena, who all delivered standout performances. The losers: Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu, whose injuries could rule them out of Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Bottom Line: Nigerian stars lit up Europe with goals and assists, but the joy was tempered by injuries to Osimhen and Onuachu. The Super Eagles face a nervous wait to see if their key strikers will be fit for the upcoming international break.