By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
Nigerian internationals delivered eye-catching performances across Europe over the weekend, with several finding the back of the net, registering assists, or putting in standout displays for their clubs.
🇪🇸 SPAIN
Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid)
Ademola Lookman netted his first La Liga goal for Atlético Madrid in a 4–2 triumph over Espanyol, continuing his bright start in Spain.
The winger, who sealed a £30.3 million switch from Atalanta earlier this month, has now scored four goals in six appearances across all competitions. After making an instant impact in the Copa del Rey — where he marked his debut with a goal — Lookman has steadily grown into Diego Simeone’s system.
Against Espanyol, he struck in the 58th minute to extend Atlético’s lead before being substituted shortly after. The goal marked his first in Spain’s top flight following earlier contributions in the Champions League and domestic cup competitions.
Akor Adams & Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla)
Akor Adams played a decisive role in Sevilla’s 1–0 victory over Getafe, setting up Djibril Sow’s winner after the hosts were reduced to 10 men. The Nigerian striker now boasts six goals and three assists in La Liga this season.
Chidera Ejuke featured in the encounter as a halftime substitute.
Umar Sadiq (Valencia)
Umar Sadiq endured a frustrating outing, picking up a late booking in Valencia’s 2–1 loss to Villarreal following a rash challenge.
🇫🇷 FRANCE
Moses Simon (Paris FC)
Moses Simon came off the bench in Paris FC’s 1–1 draw with Toulouse but was shown a stoppage-time yellow card. The winger has contributed three goals and two assists in Ligue 1 this season.
🏴 ENGLAND
Alex Iwobi & Calvin Bassey (Fulham)
Alex Iwobi delivered a complete attacking performance, scoring and assisting in Fulham’s 3–1 win over Sunderland. He provided the corner that led to the opener before sealing victory with a late goal.
Calvin Bassey also made his mark, winning the penalty that resulted in Fulham’s second goal.
Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Ola Aina received a booking for a tactical foul during Nottingham Forest’s narrow defeat to Liverpool.
Frank Onyeka & Josh Maja
Frank Onyeka was named Man of the Match after an influential display in Coventry City’s 2–0 win over West Brom. Josh Maja made a substitute appearance for the Baggies.
Tolu Arokodare (Wolves)
Tolu Arokodare missed a first-half penalty in Wolves’ 1–0 defeat to Crystal Palace. The striker later became the target of racial abuse online, prompting strong backing from his club.
🇧🇪 BELGIUM
Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi & Raphael Onyedika
Ikwuemesi continued his scoring streak with a goal in Leuven’s 2–1 loss to Club Brugge, making it three goals in four matches. Raphael Onyedika completed the full 90 minutes for Brugge.
🇹🇷 TURKEY
Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor)
Paul Onuachu extended his remarkable run in front of goal, scoring in his sixth straight league match as Trabzonspor defeated Gaziantep 2–1. The towering striker now boasts 17 league goals this campaign.
Wilfred Ndidi (BeĹźiktaĹź)
Wilfred Ndidi marked an emotional return to action with a goal in Beşiktaş’s dominant 4–0 win over Göztepe. The midfielder delivered a commanding performance after recently mourning the loss of his father.
Weekend Verdict
From Spain to Turkey, Nigerian stars once again underlined their growing influence in European football. Lookman’s La Liga breakthrough, Iwobi’s all-round display, and Onuachu’s relentless scoring form headlined another impressive weekend for the Super Eagles contingent abroad.
