Top Performing Nigerian Footballers Abroad: Lookman, Sadiq, Iheanacho, Others

Nigerian footballers were involved in decisive moments across Europe last weekend, with goals, assists and title pushes shaping the final stretch of the season.

In Spain, Ademola Lookman continued his blistering form for Atletico Madrid.

The forward scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Girona, making it back-to-back La Liga goals for the first time.

Since arriving from Atalanta in February, Lookman has scored four times in 11 league games and played a major role in Atletico’s run to the Champions League semi-finals and Copa del Rey final.

Umar Sadiq enjoyed a positive cameo as Valencia defeated Real Sociedad 4-3 at Anoeta. The striker played 17 minutes against his former club. He has now registered four goals and two assists in 19 league appearances since joining permanently.

At Sevilla, Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke featured in the narrow 1-0 loss to Real Madrid. Adams played the full match but could not add to his 10-goal tally, while Ejuke came on for the final 37 minutes.

In Turkey, Paul Onuachu finished the season as joint top scorer in the Super Lig despite failing to score in Trabzonspor’s 3-0 defeat to Genclerbirligi.

The striker shared the Golden Boot with Eldor Shomurodov after both finished on 22 goals. Onuachu reached the mark in just 29 games.

In England, Taiwo Awoniyi played 21 minutes in Nottingham Forest’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. The striker has four goals and one assist this season. Forest remain safe from relegation with 43 points.

Tolu Arokodare made his 32nd Premier League appearance in Wolves’ 1-1 draw with Fulham and has three goals and one assist this term.

In Scotland, Naija News reports that Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho won the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership title with Celtic. The club won the title after coming from behind to beat Hearts 3-1 at the Paradise on Saturday, May 16.

Iheanacho who replaced Sebastian Tounekti after the break became only the second Nigerian international to win the Scottish Premiership.

His eight goals surpassed Efe Ambrose’s tally of six despite playing far fewer matches.

In Italy, Maduka Okoye conceded early against Cremonese after recently becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper since Vincent Enyeama to reach 10 clean sheets in a top-five European league season.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru played 29 minutes in Lazio’s derby defeat to Roma, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro featured for Pisa as they dropped off the top flight.

In Belgium, Raphael Onyedika celebrated Club Brugge’s emphatic 5-0 win over Royale Union SG, a result that moved the club four points clear at the top with two games remaining.