Nigerian players were in fine form across several leagues last weekend, making decisive contributions through goals, assists, and key performances.

From Europe to Asia, Nigerian players proved influential for their clubs as domestic campaigns approached pivotal stages.

In Turkey, Wilfred Ndidi reached a major career milestone, making his 400th club appearance in Beşiktaş’s 2-0 victory at Karagumruk.

The defensive midfielder was central to the team’s control, partnering Orkun Kokcu in midfield and anchoring the game as the visitors secured three crucial points to maintain their sixth-place position.

Ndidi’s journey from Genk to Leicester City and now Beşiktaş has been marked by consistent performances, and this appearance added another chapter to his impressive career.

Italy witnessed Ademola Lookman returning to scoring form for Atalanta. Building on a strong midweek showing against Eintracht Frankfurt, Lookman capitalised on a loose ball from a corner to score in the 51st minute, giving Atalanta a 2-0 win over Fiorentina.

The goal was Atalanta’s first from a set-piece this season and marked Lookman’s second Serie A goal of the campaign. His movement, passing, and overall impact highlighted his importance to both club and country ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In England, Naija News reports that Samuel Chukwueze dominated Fulham’s 2-1 Premier League victory at Tottenham on Saturday. Starting for the first time this season, the Super Eagles winger immediately made his presence felt.

His clever fourth-minute cut-back set up Kenny Tete for the opener, marking his third assist of the season and second in consecutive matches.

Chukwueze’s energy and creativity were evident throughout the game, including a near-miss that rattled the woodwork. His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, emphasising his growing influence in Fulham’s attacking play.

Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey also featured in the win, with Iwobi now on twelve appearances and Bassey maintaining his defensive duties across the season.

Paul Onuachu continued his prolific run for Trabzonspor, scoring twice in a 3-1 home win against Konyaspor. He first converted a penalty before scoring from open play, marking his third consecutive match with goals and maintaining his status as the league’s top scorer with ten goals in 14 league games.

Semi Ajayi scored his first goal for Hull City in a 2-1 win at Stoke City, powering home a header shortly after the break. The goal helped the team secure all three points and demonstrated his leadership and composure in crucial moments.

Similarly, Josh Maja made a decisive impact for West Bromwich Albion by delivering the assist for Jayson Molumby’s match-winning goal in a 3-2 comeback victory over Swansea City.

In the Czech Republic, Emmanuel Ayaosi produced a standout performance for MFK Karviná, providing two assists in a 3-1 win against FC Zlín. The 20-year-old has now been involved in eight goal contributions this season, signalling steady progress since emerging from Karviná’s youth ranks.

Other Nigerian contributors across the globe included Cleopas Timi, who scored a stoppage-time winner for FC Meshakhte in Georgia, and Adeola Olaleye, who opened the scoring for FC Isloch in Belarus.

Chigozie Mbah netted his sixth goal of the season in Thailand as Uthai Thani thrashed Nakhon 7-0, while Abdulrahman Taiwo’s powerful header helped Spartak Trnava extend their winning run in Slovakia.

Prosper Obah provided the decisive assist in FC LNZ’s 1-0 victory over Kudrivka in Ukraine, while Oriola Sunday also set up a goal for Omiya Ardija in Japan despite their 3-2 defeat.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returned from injury for Lazio, featuring for 30 minutes in a narrow 1-0 loss to Milan and showing signs of readiness ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON campaign.

© 2025 Naija News, a division of Polance Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]