Nigerian footballers left their mark across Europe at the weekend, with decisive goals, assists and standout displays shaping key results for their clubs.
In Scotland, Kelechi Iheanacho ended months of frustration with a match-winning strike for Celtic in a vital win over Dundee FC at Dens Park.
The forward, who was introduced after the break, buried Marcelo Saracchi’s cross to seal the points and keep Celtic within touching distance of Heart of Midlothian, with Rangers also in the title mix. It was his first goal since scoring against Motherwell in October, ending a six-month injury-hit drought.
In England, Chiamaka Nnadozie produced a commanding performance as Brighton Women stunned Arsenal Women 2-0 in the Women’s FA Cup quarter-final. The goalkeeper made three crucial saves to frustrate Arsenal before Brighton struck twice after the interval to knock out the European champions.
At the City Ground, Joy Omewa saw her scoring run halted as Nottingham Forest Women drew 1-1 with Newcastle Women, though the striker has three goals in seven matches since her winter arrival.
In France, Moses Simon impressed during Paris FC’s 1-1 draw with Lorient, helping his side move closer to Ligue 1 safety. Defender Chidozie Awaziem played every minute as Nantes held Metz to a goalless draw despite being reduced to ten men, though relegation fears remain.
In Italy, David Okereke featured for Cremonese in a narrow 2-1 defeat to Bologna. Ebenezer Akinsanmiro came off the bench for Pisa in their loss to Torino, while Rafiu Durosinmi remained suspended.
Spain produced a direct Nigerian contribution as Umar Sadiq provided an assist in Valencia’s 3-2 defeat to Celta Vigo, setting up Guido Rodríguez deep into stoppage time. At Sevilla, Akor Adams started, and Chidera Ejuke came off the bench in a 1-0 loss to Real Oviedo.
In Cyprus, Peter Olayinka played 67 minutes as APOEL beat Aris Limassol 2-1 in their title push.
In Turkey, Trabzonspor striker, Paul Onuachu, set a new record on Saturday, April 4, after scoring a goal in his side’s Turkish Super Lig 2-1 win against Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray team.
Onuachu scored his first-ever goal against Galatasaray as Trabzonspor claimed all three points at Papara Park. He rose highest to head home a pinpoint cross from Wagner Pina earlier in the first half.
His goals against Galatasaray were a landmark moment for him after he had previously been unable to score against the Turkish Super Lig champions in any of their previous meetings.
FOLLOW US ON:
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
PINTEREST
TIKTOK
YOUTUBE
LINKEDIN
