Nigerian Players Shine Abroad on a Memorable Weekend
The weekend was a significant one for Nigerian players competing abroad, with several achieving milestones and contributing to their teams’ successes. From Turkey to Spain, and from England to Italy, the performances of these athletes highlighted their growing influence in European football.
Wilfred Ndidi Reaches 400th Club Appearance
In Turkey, Wilfred Ndidi reached a major career milestone by making his 400th club appearance. He started for Beşiktaş in a 2-0 away victory over Karagumruk in the Turkish Super Lig. Ndidi partnered Orkun Kokcu in a double pivot, anchoring the midfield as the visitors secured a crucial win that preserved their sixth-place position.
Ndidi’s club career began at Genk in 2015, where he made 83 appearances, scoring seven goals and assisting three. At Leicester City, he amassed 303 appearances, 18 goals, and 22 assists. At Beşiktaş, he has featured in 14 games, netting once and providing one assist.
Across competitions, Ndidi’s appearances include 220 in the Premier League with seven goals and 14 assists, 46 in the Jupiler Pro League with one goal and one assist, and 32 in the Championship with four goals and five assists. He has also played in FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League, Süper Lig, UEFA Conference League, and Champions League fixtures, contributing both defensively and offensively to his teams.
Tolu Arokodare Marks 200th League Appearance
Tolu Arokodare marked his 200th league appearance on Sunday with a two-minute substitute cameo for Wolves in their Premier League defeat to Aston Villa. While the appearance was brief, it symbolized a major milestone in his career across Belgium, France, Latvia, Germany, and England.
Arokodare’s club career spans Genk (113 appearances, 41 goals, 12 assists), Amiens SC (63 appearances, 21 goals, 4 assists), Valmiera (34 appearances, 22 goals, 4 assists), 1.FC Köln (11 appearances), and Wolves (11 appearances, 2 goals). In the Villa game, his contribution included two touches, one possession lost, one clearance, and one aerial duel won.
Ademola Lookman Returns to Scoring Form
In Italy, Ademola Lookman returned to form at a crucial stage for Atalanta. Following a dazzling midweek display against Eintracht Frankfurt, where he opened the scoring and supplied an assist, Lookman built on that momentum to find the net again in Bergamo. His decisive goal came from a 51st-minute corner, which Fiorentina failed to clear. The Nigerian forward reacted swiftly to rifle the loose ball into the net, marking Atalanta’s only goal from a set-piece this season while sealing a 2-0 home victory.
This strike marked his second Serie A goal of the season from eight appearances as he works to recapture the prolific form of last campaign, which saw him register a career-high 15 league goals and 20 in all competitions. Lookman was substituted in the 77th minute for Ghanaian teammate Kamaldeen Sulemana, having made a measurable impact across the pitch.
Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke Face Defeat
In Spain, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke started for Sevilla in a 2-0 defeat to Real Betis in the 144th official Seville derby. Despite their efforts, Sevilla were unable to match the intensity of Betis, whose clinical finishing and control of key moments secured the derby victory. Adams spearheaded Sevilla’s attack, making his sixth start of the season and his twelfth appearance overall. He attempted two shots, one on target, but failed to find the back of the net.
Ejuke also started for Sevilla, playing 79 minutes in what was his fourth start of the season. The Nigerian winger recorded one shot and attempted one cross, though neither resulted in a goal. He completed 23 of 26 passes at 88 per cent accuracy, including 13 of 17 in the opposition half, and maintained perfect accuracy for nine passes in his own half.
Raphael Onyedika and Terem Moffi Contribute
In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika was active in the heart of Club Brugge’s midfield during a 1-0 home defeat against Antwerp. He completed 77 touches, 91% passing accuracy, four accurate long balls, three key passes, six successful tackles, and nine recoveries. Despite a penalty conceded in the 76th minute that was saved, Onyedika’s influence remained notable in a challenging match.
In France, Terem Moffi started for Nice in their 1-0 Ligue 1 loss. He registered 24 touches, 71% passing accuracy, two successful dribbles, one big chance created, two key passes, five ground duels won, and five aerial duels won. The striker’s contribution reflected his ongoing effort to impact matches despite his side’s fourth consecutive league defeat.
Samuel Chukwueze Shines for Fulham
In England, Samuel Chukwueze was the standout performer as Fulham secured a 2–1 Premier League victory over Tottenham. The Super Eagles winger provided an assist and was heavily involved in every attacking move, producing what many regard as his most complete display in Fulham colours to date. Chukwueze now has three assists for the club this season, with this latest contribution marking his second in consecutive matches.
Paul Onuachu Scores Twice for Trabzonspor
In Turkey, Paul Onuachu scored twice for Trabzonspor in a 3-1 home win over Konyaspor. The Nigerian striker equalised from the penalty spot before scoring again in open play, marking his third consecutive scoring match. Across 14 league games this season, Onuachu has scored ten goals and provided one assist, cementing his status as the league’s top scorer.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Makes Comeback
In Italy, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made his return from injury in Lazio’s 1-0 Serie A defeat to Milan. Playing 30 minutes after coming on for Matías Vecino, he completed 11 accurate passes (92% passing accuracy), one shot, two recoveries, and two ground duels won, signaling his readiness for upcoming fixtures and Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign.
