In recent weekends, Nigerian football stars have made headlines both in local leagues and in international play. Notably, Super Falcons striker Gift Monday showcased her talent by scoring her third league goal of the season, leading Tenerife to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Betis. She netted the decisive goal just moments after the match resumed from halftime, converting a well-placed cross from teammate Aleksandra Zaremba. Despite a notable performance, Rinsola Babajide, also representing the Super Falcons, was substituted after 76 minutes. This victory stand out as an important win for Tenerife, underscoring Monday’s growing influence in Spanish women’s football while drawing attention to her and Babajide’s contributions to the national team.
Across the Netherlands, Chuba Akpom’s return to Ajax’s lineup demonstrated his impact and importance to the team. Coming off the bench in Ajax’s 3-1 triumph over Groningen, Akpom quickly made himself known, scoring an important goal in stoppage time. Although he has primarily been a substitute this season, his form has improved, tallying two goals and one assist in just four appearances. This performance highlights Akpom’s resilience and potential, particularly as he fights for a regular spot in Ajax’s starting squad.
Meanwhile, various Nigerian players featured in different leagues across Europe, with performances that mix ups and downs. Chidera Ejuke made his presence felt with Sevilla FC despite some of his compatriots, like Kelechi Iheanacho, not finding a spot in the starting XI. Over in England, Ola Aina turned in a solid, consistent performance for Nottingham Forest against Chelsea as they held on for a 1-1 draw despite being down to ten men. His continued presence in the starting lineup signals his importance to the team, while Taiwo Awoniyi remained an unused substitute in that match. This league saw mixed results for Nigerians, including Toni Payne for Everton, who is still searching for her first goal of the season.
In the United States, Asisat Oshoala found the net for Bay FC during their match against Gotham Women, but her efforts weren’t enough to prevent a crushing 5-1 defeat. This season has been a mix for her; although she has found the back of the net, her team faces challenges, highlighted by such a heavy loss. Similarly, in Italy, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is struggling for playing time with Lazio, having not featured in Serie A for several weeks. Nevertheless, he made a notable contribution in Europa League play. Kevin Martins, son of former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins, is still in the early stages of his Serie A career, securing a place on Monza’s bench and aiming for more action.
The weekend continued with mixed results as Nigerian players displayed varying forms across several leagues. For instance, Moses Simon of Nantes struggled against Lyon, while Akor Adams faced disappointment as Montpellier succumbed to defeat. In the Czech Republic, Victor Olatunji led the attack for Sparta Prague, showing promising form, while while David Okereke made strides in his campaign with Gaziantesp after gathering experience in the Turkish top-flight. Another spotlight was on Wilfred Ndidi, who was invaluable during Leicester City’s 1-0 victory over Bournemouth, even though they did not assist the goal.
Finally, notable performances from Victor Boniface, who found the net for Bayer Leverkusen, and Maduka Okoye, who earned another clean sheet for Udinese, signify fruitful outings in their respective leagues. With Ademola Lookman assisting a goal in Atalanta’s comfortable win over Genoa, the weekend rounded out positively for some Nigerian talents engaged in a highly competitive landscape. From Spain to Italy, these players continue to make their mark on the international scene, with many now gearing up for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifying double-header against Libya, highlighting the vital connection between club performance and national pride in Nigerian football.
