As the October international break wraps up, Nigerian footballers across various top leagues are gearing up to return to club action. PUNCH Sports Extra highlights that the players are eager to build on their respective performances from the previous fixtures, enhancing their teams’ positions in their leagues. The weekend promises to be filled with excitement as these athletes take to the fields, aiming for individual brilliance while contributing to their teams’ successes.
In the English Premier League, attention is on Fulham’s Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, who are set to start against Aston Villa. Their recent form has been commendable, helping Fulham to a narrow 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Playing at Craven Cottage, where they’ve secured seven of their eleven points so far, the duo are poised to play a pivotal role in propelling Fulham into the top half of the league table. Meanwhile, Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi seeks to maintain his productive streak as they travel to Southampton. With four assists already this season, Ndidi’s playmaking abilities are crucial for Leicester as they aim to consolidate their position in the Premier League.
Over in Spain’s La Liga, Umar Sadiq looks to secure more playing time for Real Sociedad in their matchup against Girona. The forward has had a challenging season in terms of game minutes, making this a significant opportunity to make an impact. Additionally, Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidera Ejuke may feature for Sevilla in their daunting task against Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic. Ending a 14-year winless streak at Barcelona is an uphill battle, especially considering the Catalan giants’ formidable current form. This match represents a test of resilience and talent for the Nigerian contingent at Sevilla.
In Italy’s Serie A, Samuel Chukwueze has returned to training with AC Milan ahead of their contest with Udinese. After being sidelined due to an injury during international duty, Chukwueze’s return is a boost for Milan, adding depth to their attacking lineup. Ademola Lookman is expected to lead the charge for Atalanta as they face Venezia. His contributions of three goals and three assists so far this season underline his importance to Atalanta’s ambitions for a European spot as they aim to build momentum in the league.
The Bundesliga promises action as Nigerian players Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella could appear for Bayer Leverkusen against Eintracht Frankfurt. Boniface’s incredible scoring streak, with six goals to his name, has been a cornerstone of Leverkusen’s title defense this season. Meanwhile, Frank Onyeka is anticipated to play for Augsburg as they take on Freiburg, with the team’s urgent need for away points on the verge of making this match critical. Onyeka’s midfield presence will be essential for Augsburg to turn their fortunes around and begin collecting points on the road.
In Ligue 1, Moses Simon and his Nantes team are scheduled to face Nice, with the winger aiming to help steer Nantes toward their first victory in five matches. As they strive to distance themselves from the lower part of the table, Simon’s performance will be vital in galvanizing his teammates. Lastly, in the Saudi Pro League, William Troost-Ekong, captain of the Super Eagles, is set to lead Al Kholood against Al Fateh. With both teams struggling near the bottom of the table, the match presents an opportunity for Troost-Ekong to leverage his experience and leadership to help elevate Al Kholood’s standing in the league.
