In the final round of club football before the international break, Nigerian players were in action across Europe’s top leagues, from England and Turkey to Spain and beyond.
Here’s a look at some standout performances that highlighted the talent and form some of these players will bring to their national team in the upcoming matches.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Victor Osimhen’s loan spell with Galatasaray keeps yielding goals as he netted a brace in their 3-2 victory over Samsunspor in the Turkish Super League on Sunday at RAMS Park.
The 25-year-old took just four minutes to head home Lucas Torreira’s cross, giving Galatasaray an early lead. Though Samsunspor equalized in the second half, Osimhen restored Galatasaray’s advantage just five minutes later, securing the win in a thrilling top-of-the-table clash.
This brace marks his second in just four days, following his Europa League heroics against Tottenham.
Osimhen has now tallied eight goals and four assists in nine matches since joining Galatasaray on loan.
Cyriel Dessers – Rangers
Cyriel Dessers celebrates his goal against Hearts in he Scottish Premiership League. Photo | X
Cyriel Dessers continued his rich vein of form, scoring his ninth goal of the season for Rangers in their Scottish Premiership match against Hearts.
This marked his third consecutive game with a goal, sending a strong message to Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen, especially following his exclusion from the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
The 29-year-old striker put in a lively display, registering three shots before being substituted in the 78th minute.
Dessers’ season tally stands at nine goals and three assists.
Moses Simon – Nantes
Nantes’ Nigerian forward Moses Simon shoots a penalty kick and scores against RC Lens. (Photo by SAMEER AL-DOUMY/AFP via Getty Images)
Moses Simon found the net in Nantes’ narrow 3-2 loss to Lens on Saturday night.
Lens took an early lead with a penalty in the 21st minute, but Simon equalized from the spot just before halftime.
He later assisted Nicolas Cozza’s goal in the 71st minute, which temporarily put Nantes ahead. However, Lens bounced back with two late goals, including a decisive strike from Adrien Thomasson in the 90th minute.
Simon’s goal ended his six-game scoring drought in Ligue 1, offering a bright spot amid the defeat.
This season, he has scored 3 goals and 4 assists in 10 games for Nantes.
Alex Iwobi – Fulham
Alex Iwobi is challenged by Tyrick Mitchell of Crystal Palace during a Premier League match. (Photo by Alex Broadway/Getty Images)
In the Premier League, Alex Iwobi delivered a strong performance for Fulham in their 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Iwobi set up substitute Harry Wilson with a precise pass for Fulham’s second goal, sealing the victory seven minutes from time.
Iwobi has now has two goals and two assists in 11 league appearances this season.
Fellow Nigerian Calvin Bassey also featured, playing the full 90 minutes for Fulham.
Josh Maja – West Brom
Josh Maja celebrates after scoring during a Championship match. (Photo by Adam Fradgley/West Bromwich Albion FC via Getty Images)
Josh Maja was on target in West Bromwich Albion’s 2-1 triumph over Hull City on Sunday.
Maja doubled West Brom’s lead just five minutes after Karlan Grant’s opener, converting from close range after a header from Darnell Furlong.
Maja’s season stats are now up to eight goals and one assist, adding to his impressive contribution at the MKM Stadium.
Ibrahim Olawoyin – Çaykur Rizespor
Ibrahim Olawoyin. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Ibrahim Olawoyin had a standout performance as Çaykur Rizespor defeated Trabzonspor 3-1 in the Turkish Super Lig.
The Super Eagles midfielder bagged his first league goal of the season and filled the stat sheet with two key passes, five successful tackles, and a perfect dribbling record. Olawoyin’s efforts were instrumental in securing a vital victory for his side.
Nigerian stars across Europe delivered impressive performances, showing the depth of talent available for the national team as they gear up for upcoming international fixtures.
