This weekend, several Nigerian players lit up the pitch for their clubs across various leagues.
Here’s a look at those who found the back of the net
Alex Iwobi – Fulham
Alex Iwobi during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Fulham FC at Goodison Park. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
In the premier Alex Iwobi returned to his old stomping ground at Goodison Park and scored against former club Everton to help Fulham earn a 1-1 draw on Saturday evening.
The Nigerian international struck in the 61st minute, finishing off a brilliant solo run by Emile Smith Rowe. However, out of respect for the Toffees and their fans, Iwobi opted for a muted celebration.
His goal appeared to have secured all three points for Fulham, but things unraveled after his substitution. Deep into stoppage time, Everton’s Beto netted a dramatic equalizer to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League.
So far this season, Iwobi has contributed 2 goals and 1 assist in the league.
Ademola Lookman – Atalanta
Ademola Lookman scores during the Serie A match between Atalanta and Verona. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Ademola Lookman delivered a jaw-dropping performance as he scored twice and provided two assists in Atalanta’s 6-1 demolition of Verona.
The Super Eagles star was instrumental from the start, assisting Atalanta’s opener in the 6th minute and setting up another goal after just 14 minutes.
He then added a brace of his own, scoring in the 29th and 34th minutes to cap off an extraordinary first-half display.
Lookman, a Ballon d’Or nominee and CAF Player of the Year contender, will be present at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday night.
Victor Boniface – Bayer Leverkusen
BREMEN, GERMANY – OCTOBER 26: Victor Boniface of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Alex Grimaldo during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Weserstadion on October 26, 2024 in Bremen, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Victor Boniface made a triumphant return after being involved in a car accident, scoring as Bayer Leverkusen played out a 2-2 draw against Werder Bremen.
Back in the starting lineup after missing Leverkusen’s midweek UEFA Champions League clash, Boniface opened the scoring on the half-hour mark.
The Nigerian forward tapped home from a Jeremie Frimpong cross, registering his sixth league goal of the season.
Boniface was substituted in the 70th minute for Patrik Schick, but Werder Bremen equalized four minutes later. Though Leverkusen briefly regained the lead through an own goal by Felix Agu, Werder’s Romano Schmid leveled the score once more.
Leverkusen currently sit third in the Bundesliga, trailing leaders Bayern Munich by five points.
Tolu Arokodare – Genk
Genk’s Tolu Toluwalase Arokodare celebrate after scoring against KAA Gent. (Photo by DAVID PINTENS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images)
Arokodare maintained his impressive goal-scoring form, helping Genk secure a valuable 2-0 away win over Gent to stay atop the Belgian Pro League.
Arokodare scored his eighth goal of the season from 12 appearances, drawing level with Adriano Bertaccini of Sint-Truiden in the race for the league’s Golden Boot.
Another Nigerian, Yira Sor, was named on Genk’s bench but did not feature in the game.
