As club football took a pause ahead of the international break, Nigerian football stars were once again in action for their respective clubs.
Here’s a look at how some of them performed over the weekend
Chuba Akpom (Ajax)
Chuba Akpom. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Chuba Akpom made a strong case for more playing time at Ajax, coming off the bench to score in their 3-1 victory over Groningen.
Despite starting only one league game this season, Akpom replaced Brian Brobbey in the 59th minute with Ajax leading 1-0.
Groningen equalized 10 minutes later, but Akpom made his impact felt by scoring Ajax’s third goal in stoppage time after Wout Weghorst had restored their lead.
In his 31-minute cameo, Akpom registered two shots on target, won a penalty, and completed five accurate passes, bringing his season tally to two goals and one assist in four matches.
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)
Victor Boniface. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Victor Boniface continued his fine form, netting in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-2 draw with newly-promoted Holstein Kiel.
The Super Eagles striker opened the scoring in the 4th minute, following a swift counter-attack, and Leverkusen doubled their lead through Jonas Hofmann four minutes later.
Boniface nearly had a brace, but his 26th-minute effort was ruled offside.
However, Leverkusen failed to maintain their dominance as Holstein Kiel fought back, with Max Geschwill scoring just before halftime and the visitors equalizing in the 69th minute.
Boniface now has six goals and one assist in all competitions this season as he shifts focus to national team duties.
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)
Ademola Lookman. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Ademola Lookman, the man of the moment, proved why he deserves to be given the African Player of the Year award as he provided an assist in Atalanta’s 5-0 dismantling of Genoa, setting a new club record by scoring in 19 consecutive home games in Serie A.
The Nigerian international has enjoyed a great start to the season, with three goals and three assists in all competitions so far.
Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates)
Orlando Pirates were crowned the Cup champions. Photo | X
Though injured and unable to play, Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah celebrated Orlando Pirates’ third consecutive MTN 8 title.
Ndah’s contribution in earlier rounds helped the team reach the final, and his absence was felt.
Man of the Match Thabiso Sesane dedicated his award to Ndah, saying, “Olisa’s leadership and presence were greatly missed, but we’re thrilled to have won this title for him and the team.”
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Ola Aina. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ola Aina impressed in Nottingham Forest’s gritty 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
The Nigerian full-back’s performances sit well with the Forest management, who are keen to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Aina has been a key part of the team’s defence, and his future at the club looks promising.
Maduka Okoye (Udinese)
Maduka Okoye. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
Maduka Okoye delivered another solid performance, keeping a clean sheet as Udinese secured a 1-0 win over Lecce.
It was the Nigerian goalkeeper’s second clean sheet in Serie A this season, making three crucial saves to help his team return to winning ways.
His form will be an asset as he joins the Super Eagles camp for international duty if he is handed playing time.
Akor Adams (Montpellier)
Akor Jerome Adams.(Photo by Loic Baratoux/FEP/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Akor Adams had a tough outing as Montpellier suffered a 4-2 defeat to Stade Reims.
The striker, who was also booked for unsportsmanlike conduct in the first half, struggled to make an impact.
Montpellier’s poor form continues, with this being their fifth loss in seven games, but Adams has still managed three goals and one assist this season.
With the international break upon us, these Nigerian stars will now turn their attention to representing the Super Eagles.
The team is set to begin preparations in Uyo on Monday ahead of their crucial Friday clash against Libya.
Fans will be hoping the players can replicate their club form on the national stage and show why they are among the best in the world.
