It was another thrilling game week, and Nigerian players across Europe and beyond are making their mark.
From crucial goals to solid defensive displays, it’s clear that when it comes to football, Nigeria “No dey carry last”.
Here’s how our Super Eagles fared over the weekend.
Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
Alex Iwobi scores his during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Leicester City at Craven Cottage. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
Alex Iwobi kicked off the season in style, scoring his first goal for Fulham in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Wilfred Ndidi’s Leicester City.
The Nigerian star had set his sights on upping his goal tally this season, knowing that players in his position are often judged by stats.
And stats don’t lie—Iwobi just made history, scoring in 10 consecutive Premier League seasons.
He’s now hot on the heels of Nwankwo Kanu, the legendary Arsenal and West Brom striker, who holds the Nigerian record with goals in 12 straight Premier League campaigns. Iwobi’s on track to rewrite the record books.
Cyriel Dessers (Rangers)
What a dream start for Cyriel Dessers! The Rangers striker is on fire, adding two more goals to his tally this weekend, bringing him to an impressive five goals in six appearances.
Cyriel Dessers celebrates his goal against Ross County FC at Hampden Park. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
As the Super Eagles gear up for action next month, all eyes will be on whether Dessers earns his first competitive cap.
With the national team’s coaching situation still up in the air, could Dessers be the man to lead the line?
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan)
Samuel Chukwueze. (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)
Samuel Chukwueze’s Serie A journey began on a rocky note. After a stellar preseason, the Nigerian winger struggled to make an impact in AC Milan’s 2-1 loss to newly-promoted Parma.
Chukwueze was only introduced in the 86th minute, a brief appearance that mirrored his Milan’s shaky start to the season.
But with Lazio looming next Saturday, Chukwueze will be eager to break into the starting eleven and find his rhythm as the season progresses.
Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion)
Lewis Koumas shoots at goal as Semi Ajayi defends during the Championship match between Stoke City FC and West Brom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
In the Championship, Semi Ajayi proved his worth once again, anchoring the defense as West Brom secured a 2-1 win against Stoke City.
Ajayi played the full 90 minutes, showing his reliability and strength at the back as the Baggies extended their unbeaten run.
Moses Simon (Nantes)
Moses Simon dribbles past Auxerre’s Ghanaian midfielder Elisha Owusu. (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images)
Moses Simon made a triumphant return, scoring his first goal in 287 days as Nantes cruised to a 2-0 win over Auxerre in Ligue 1.
The last time Simon found the back of the net was November 12, 2023, but on Sunday, he was back to his best.
The Nigerian winger created several chances and nearly bagged a brace with a free-kick, only to be denied by Auxerre’s keeper, Donovan Leon. Simon is back in the mix and could be a key figure for Nigeria in their upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
William Troost-Ekong (Al Kholood)
William Troost-Ekong made his debut for Saudi Pro League side, Al Kholood. Photo | Sports Ration
It wasn’t the dream debut William Troost-Ekong had hoped for, as his new club, Al Kholood, fell to a last-gasp winner against Al Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League.
Despite the loss, Troost-Ekong was solid throughout the match, holding his own against a star-studded Al Ittihad side featuring World Cup winners Karim Benzema and N’golo Kante.
Fresh from a stint with Greek champions PAOK, Troost-Ekong is already proving to be a key player for the newly-promoted Al Kholood.
Joe Aribo (Southampton)
Joe Aribo. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
Joe Aribo and Southampton’s return to the Premier League has been anything but smooth.
The Saints suffered their second straight defeat, this time falling 1-0 to Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Aribo put in 76 minutes of hard graft before being subbed off, but it wasn’t enough to help Southampton avoid another frustrating loss.
Ola Aina & Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest)
Adam Armstrong and Ola Aina during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Nottingham Forest FC. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
Ola Aina was a defensive rock for Nottingham Forest in their gritty 1-0 away win over Southampton.
Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi came on as a late substitute, helping Forest maintain their unbeaten start to the season after drawing their opener against Bournemouth.
Taiwo Awoniyi during the Premier League match between Southampton and Nottingham Forest at St Mary’s Stadium. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
