Nigerian Footballers Abroad Suffer Mixed Fortunes Last Weekend, Iwobi Set EPL Record

It was a difficult weekend for many Nigerian footballers across the globe, as several endured frustrating outings while only a few managed to shine for their respective clubs.

From Kelechi Iheanacho’s missed chances in Scotland to Stanley Nwabali’s struggles in South Africa, it was a round filled with disappointment for Nigerian footballers, though a handful of bright performances offered some comfort.

In Scotland, Celtic suffered a shock 2-0 defeat to Dundee at Dens Park, and Kelechi Iheanacho had a night to forget. The Nigerian striker was lively throughout the match, taking five shots, one of which struck the post, but he could not find the target.

The result was particularly painful for Celtic, who had not lost in Dundee for nearly 40 years. Iheanacho’s wastefulness in front of goal summed up a poor outing for the Scottish giants, who now sit five points behind Rangers in the Premiership.

In France, Moses Simon was below par as Paris FC fell 2-1 to Lens in a Ligue 1 clash. Simon struggled to influence play and was substituted in the 63rd minute after a quiet performance. Ironically, Lens scored their winning goal shortly after his substitution. The defeat leaves Paris FC mid-table after a run of inconsistent results.

In South Africa, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was left helpless as Chippa United suffered a 2-1 loss to Marumo Gallants. Despite making four crucial saves, Nwabali could not prevent his side from conceding twice. Defensive lapses once again cost Chippa dearly, leaving them bottom of the Premier Soccer League table with only six points from ten matches.

In Belgium, young defender Benjamin Fredrick continued to show promise despite Dender’s 3-1 home defeat to Mechelen. The 19-year-old centre-back came off the bench in the 72nd minute and impressed with his composure and passing. However, the result means Dender are still searching for their first league win after eleven games.

In Italy, Ademola Lookman was a constant threat for Atalanta in their goalless draw with Lazio in Bergamo. The winger came close twice, forcing fine saves from Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, including one from a curling strike late in the match. Lookman, who was substituted in the 82nd minute, was one of Atalanta’s standout players despite the stalemate.

Some Nigerian Footballers Had a good weekend, Iwobi breaks Record

It wasn’t all gloom for Nigerian players, as Geoffrey Chinedu turned on the style in Kazakhstan. The forward scored a hat-trick as Astana defeated Aktobe 5-3 in a thrilling contest. Chinedu struck in the 10th, 34th, and 50th minutes, earning himself the Man of the Match award and taking his season tally to eight goals in 24 appearances.

In Spain, Edna Imade continued her fine run of form, netting a brace in Real Sociedad’s 3-0 win over Eibar in the Liga F. The forward has now scored six goals in six games, finding the net in five consecutive matches. Her current form has reignited calls for her inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming WAFCON qualifiers.

Over in the United States, Victor Olatunji bagged a brace for Real Salt Lake as they sealed an MLS playoff spot following a 2-2 draw with St. Louis City. The 26-year-old has now scored four goals and registered one assist in eight games since joining in August.

In another MLS fixture, Alhassan Yusuf returned from injury in style for New England Revolution, scoring and providing an assist in a 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire. His goal, scored just 44 seconds into the match, was the fastest for his club this season.

In England, Alex Iwobi reached a major career milestone despite Fulham’s 1-0 loss to Arsenal. The midfielder made his 299th Premier League appearance, becoming Nigeria’s most-capped player in the competition.

During the game against his former club, Iwobi was created four chances but could not help Fulham find an equaliser.

Meanwhile, Taiwo Awoniyi made his return from injury for Nottingham Forest in their defeat to Chelsea, showing glimpses of his sharpness and physical presence.

In Turkey, Victor Osimhen featured briefly for Galatasaray in their 2-1 win over Başakşehir. The forward, who recently returned from a minor injury, hit the post in his 16-minute cameo. Paul Onuachu continued his impressive run for Trabzonspor, scoring in their 2-0 victory over Rizespor, his fourth goal in four consecutive matches.

Elsewhere, Rafiu Durosinmi was on target again as Viktoria Plzen defeated Bohemians Praha in the Czech Republic, making it three goals in his last three games. In Mexico, Lawal Taiwo scored her first goal in weeks and Vivian Ikechukwu provided an assist as Santos Laguna beat Mazatlán 2-1. The win lifted them to 15th and restored confidence after a string of poor results.