Nigeria’s finest footballers were on fire across Europe and beyond this past weekend, lighting up pitches with goals, assists, and standout performances.
From Italy to Turkey and Scotland to Saudi Arabia, Super Eagles and Super Falcons stars made headlines—some breaking records, others rescuing points, and many carrying their clubs on big stages.
Orban strikes against Juventus in Serie A
Gift Orban scored his first Hellas Verona goal in a 1-1 draw against Juventus, converting a VAR-awarded penalty to deny Juve a fourth straight win.
The 23-year-old became Verona’s youngest foreign scorer versus Juventus, earned Man of the Match, and delivered a tireless, record-making performance in Serie A.
Terem Moffi also made his mark in Ligue 1, scoring his second goal of the season in Nice’s 4-1 defeat to Brest.
The 26-year-old Nigerian, returning from an injury-hit 2023/24 campaign, has now netted twice in seven games, proving his instincts remain vital despite Nice’s struggles in the French top flight.
Iwobi inspires Fulham with goal and assist
Alex Iwobi inspired Fulham’s 3-1 comeback win over Brentford with a goal and assist, ending their derby struggles and sealing back-to-back Premier League victories.
The 29-year-old’s standout display lifted Fulham to seventh, while his brilliance also earned him Man of the Match recognition after the clash.
Elsewhere in Turkey, Paul Onuachu netted his third goal of the season for Trabzonspor, salvaging a 1-1 draw against Gaziantep.
The Nigerian striker brilliantly finished a 60-yard assist from Manchester United loanee André Onana. His composed lob capped a decisive moment, though Trabzonspor were left frustrated by Gaziantep’s resilient defending.
In another Turkish Super Lig fixture, Ibrahim Olawoyin scored his first goal of the season to earn Rizespor a 1-1 draw with Kocaelispor, offering hope in their tough campaign.
Oshoala and Iheanacho continue fine form abroad
In the Scottish Premiership, Kelechi Iheanacho impressed again for Celtic, scoring in their 3-0 League Cup quarter-final win over Partick Thistle.
After netting the winner on his debut, Iheanacho started this match, played 59 minutes, and provided Celtic’s third goal, helping secure a semi-final spot and continuing his fine start in Scotland.
Asisat Oshoala shone brightly in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, firing a goal and assist in Al-Hilal’s 3-2 win over Al-Ahli.
The Super Falcons star has now contributed two goals and one assist in just two games, underlining her attacking influence for Al-Hilal.
Meanwhile in Greece, Cyriel Dessers scored his first Greek Super League goal for Panathinaikos in a 1-1 draw with Olympiacos, following up on his strike in the Greek Cup.
The 30-year-old Nigerian forward has now scored in back-to-back games, though Panathinaikos remain 12th with just two points.
Rasheedat Ajibade also stood out in France, registering her first assist for PSG in a 5-2 win against Nantes. The Super Falcons captain impressed on her first start since joining from Atletico Madrid.
Lookman and Onyedika add finishing touch to a bright weekend
To wrap up the weekend action, Ademola Lookman returned for Atalanta in their 3-0 Serie A win, while Raphael Onyedika impressed in Club Brugge’s 2-0 Belgian Pro League victory.
Together with Iwobi, Orban, and Oshoala, these stars ensured Nigerian players abroad had a weekend full of goals, assists, and memorable moments.
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