The weekend actions of Nigerian footballers in Europe yielded a mixed bag of results, with few standout performances and several key assists. Many players took part in matches that ended in defeats or draws, yet some managed to shine through their contributions. Notable highlights came from Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen, who both provided assists that showcased their playmaking abilities, while Tolu Arokodare emerged as the standout player, adding another goal to his impressive tally in Belgium.
In England, Alex Iwobi played a crucial role for Fulham by assisting Tom Cairney’s equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. This marked Iwobi’s third assist of the season, as he continued to contribute significantly to his team’s performance. Meanwhile, Calvin Bassey had a full outing for Fulham. In contrast, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi endured a rough outing as they were overwhelmed 4-1 by Brentford, which left them in a precarious position as they grapple with relegation threats.
Spanish football saw Christantus Uche make a substitute appearance in Getafe’s 2-0 loss to Real Madrid, where he nearly scored but hit the post instead. Getafe struggled against a dominant Real side, and Uche couldn’t turn the tide. In Italy, Maduka Okoye faced challenges in goal as Udinese lost 2-0 to Genoa, marking their fifth successive match without a win. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru had a less fortunate outing, getting substituted at halftime as Lazio faced a surprising 3-1 defeat to Parma, ending their streak of six consecutive victories.
In the Netherlands, Chuba Akpom came off the bench in Ajax’s 2-1 win but failed to make a significant impact on the game. Interestingly, Osimhen’s contributions in Turkey were notable as he provided an assist in Galatasaray’s 2-2 draw with Eyupspor, though he was unable to score himself. Ibrahim Olawoyin also provided an assist for Rizespor in their 3-0 triumph over Kayserispor, helping to lift his team out of the relegation zone.
Belgium’s Tolu Arokodare was the standout performer, netting his tenth goal of the season in Genk’s rollercoaster 2-2 draw against St. Truiden. Despite the team’s defensive slip-up that allowed the equalizer, Arokodare’s goal underscored his growing reputation in the league. Cyriel Dessers remained on the bench for Rangers’ narrowly won match against St. Johnstone, marking an uneventful weekend for the Scottish league as Nigerian players were largely underutilized on the field.
As the weekend wrapped up, it was evident that while the outcomes were often disappointing for many Nigerian footballers abroad, individual performances, particularly the assists and goals, provided glimpses of quality. As players like Iwobi, Osimhen, and Arokodare continue to navigate their respective seasons, the focus will be on their contributions and ability to turn the tide for their teams in future matches. Overall, this weekend served as a reminder of the highs and lows inherent in football, as well as the potential for individual brilliance amidst collective struggles.
