How Nigerian internationals made their mark across Europe over the weekend

By Tosin Omojola

From goals and assists to impressive goalkeeping displays and notable debuts, Nigerian internationals were involved in the action across Turkey, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, England, France and Germany over the weekend.

In Turkey, Victor Osimhen continued his blistering start to the season, scoring and providing an assist as Galatasaray secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Göztepe at RAMS Park on Saturday night.

The Nigerian striker once again played a key role in the Yellow and Reds’ attacking display, taking his tally to five goals and two assists in just three league appearances this season.

Kelechi Iheanacho also enjoyed a memorable outing in Turkey, scoring once and providing an assist as Bursaspor came from behind to beat Kayserispor 2-1 in the second tier.

Iheanacho levelled the score from the penalty spot two minutes before the hour mark before turning provider in the 77th minute, setting up Alperen Babacan for the winning goal to complete an impressive comeback. He was substituted three minutes before full time.

The 29-year-old has now recorded four goals and two assists in four league appearances for Bursaspor this season, underlining his importance to the club’s attacking ambitions.

In Spain, Ademola Lookman opened his LaLiga scoring account for the new season as Atletico Madrid defeated Sevilla 3-1 on Saturday.

Lookman doubled Atletico’s advantage in the 26th minute with a well-drilled low shot that beat the Sevilla goalkeeper at his near post. The Nigerian winger was substituted in the 66th minute, while fellow Super Eagles star Chidera Ejuke came on for Sevilla in the 55th minute.

Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive run in front of goal, scoring as Ajax cruised to a 4-0 victory over Telstar in the Dutch Eredivisie on Sunday.

The goal was Arokodare’s first in the Dutch league and extended his scoring streak to three consecutive matches in all competitions.

Since joining Ajax on loan from English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer, the Nigeria international has scored four goals in all competitions — one in the league and three in the Europa Conference League.

In Belgium, Rafiu Durosinmi was among the goals as KRC Genk recorded a comfortable 4-0 victory over Beveren on Friday night.

Durosinmi opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute, setting Genk on their way to a convincing victory. The 23-year-old has now scored four goals in his opening four league appearances in the Belgian Pro League this season, making an impressive start to the campaign.

In Italy, Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made several important saves as Udinese secured a dramatic 3-2 away win over Monza in Saturday’s Serie A encounter.

Okoye conceded twice but produced three crucial saves to help Udinese withstand a strong second-half comeback from the hosts and hold on for all three points.

Monza also featured Nigerian midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, who entered the game as a second-half substitute in the 54th minute.

In England, Super Eagles duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey played the full 90 minutes for Fulham as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

It was the pair’s second Premier League appearance of the season as Fulham endured a frustrating afternoon away from home.

Meanwhile, Ola Aina was also in action for Nottingham Forest as they played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.

Aina made his second consecutive Premier League start of the season before being substituted in the 86th minute.

Elsewhere, Nigerian internationals Semi Ajayi and Taiwo Awoniyi were both involved for Hull City and Coventry City respectively, with both players completing the full 90 minutes.

In France, Super Eagles winger Moses Simon featured for Paris FC as they secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Nice in Sunday’s Ligue 1 encounter.

Simon, making his second appearance for the Paris club this season, was substituted in the 63rd minute for Matondo after another encouraging display.

In Germany, Terem Moffi made his debut for Hamburg as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s Bundesliga clash.

The Nigerian striker recently joined Hamburg from French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice and was introduced in the 67th minute for his first appearance for his new club.