Nigerian players made their mark across UEFA competitions this week, with notable performances in the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
Here’s a roundup of the Nigerian players who found the back of the net for their clubs.
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
Atalanta’s Nigerian forward #11 Ademola Lookman celebrates. (Photo by THOMAS KIENZLE/AFP via Getty Images)
Ademola Lookman opened the scoring to lead Atalanta to a 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart in their UEFA Champions League group stage clash at the MPHArena in Germany on Wednesday.
This goal continues Lookman’s fine form after he scored a brace in Atalanta’s big win over Napoli last weekend.
Lookman’s consistency has established him as one of Europe’s in-form attackers, and he is the front-runner for the African Player of the Year award come December.
Victor Olatunji – Sparta Prague
Victor Olatunji. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Victor Olatunji scored a late consolation goal for Sparta Prague in their 2-1 loss to Brest. This marked his second goal in four Champions League appearances for the 25-year-old Nigerian striker.
Though Olatunji’s late strike added some excitement, his team remains winless in the group stage, sitting near the bottom of the table.
Earlier this season, Olatunji made history by becoming the first Nigerian to score and assist on his Champions League debut against RB Salzburg.
He now boasts seven goals and two assists across all competitions.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Reigning African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in their UEFA Europa League matchup in Istanbul.
The Napoli loanee netted his first Europa League goal of the season in the 31st minute and followed it up just eight minutes later with his second.
Osimhen has registered six goals and four assists across all competitions.
With Mario Icardi sidelined with an ACL injury, Osimhen will now lead the Galatasaray attack, supported by Michy Batshuayi
Cyriel Dessers – Rangers
Rangers’ forward Cyriel Dessers (R) shoots to score during the UEFA Europa League match against Olympiakos. (Photo by Aris MESSINIS / AFP)
Cyriel Dessers continued his goal-scoring form for Rangers, netting the equalizer in their hard-fought 1-1 draw with Olympiacos in Athens.
Despite being overlooked by Super Eagles head coach Austin Eguavoen, Dessers showed why fans see him as a valuable asset with his clinical finishing.
This goal brings his season tally to nine, along with three assists, highlighting his importance to the Scottish club’s campaign.
Peter Agba – Olimpija
Young Nigerian midfielder Peter Agba also found himself on the scoresheet, scoring Olimpija’s second goal in their 2-0 win over HJK in the UEFA Conference League.
The 21-year-old capitalized on a pass from Marko Brest to net his first goal for the club.
Known more for his defensive work, Agba isn’t a frequent goal-scorer, but he has come close several times this season, often hitting the woodwork or just missing out.
This goal will surely boost his confidence moving forward.
