It was a difficult weekend for Nigerian footballers plying their trade abroad, as many Super Eagles stars struggled to make an impact for their clubs. From missed chances to disappointing defeats, few found reasons to celebrate as their teams faltered in various leagues.
In Scotland, Kelechi Iheanacho endured a frustrating night as Celtic fell 2–0 to Dundee, marking their first defeat in the city in 37 years. The Nigerian forward had several opportunities but failed to find the net. Despite his energy and movement, he ended the game with five shots, one on target, one hitting the post, and a big chance missed. The result left Brendan Rodgers’ men trailing by five points in the Scottish Premiership title race.
In France, Moses Simon’s quiet performance summed up Paris FC’s lack of creativity as they lost 2–1 to Lens in Ligue 1. The winger started the game but was replaced in the 63rd minute after failing to register a shot or key pass. His side now sits fourth on the table after a late winner by Lens’ Samson Baidoo.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali could not prevent another defeat for Chippa United, who lost 2–1 to Marumo Gallants. Returning from international duty, Nwabali made four saves and two high claims but was let down by poor defending. The result leaves Chippa bottom of the table with just six points from ten matches.
Okay News reports that in Belgium, young defender Benjamin Fredrick made a late substitute appearance for Dender in their 3–1 home loss to Mechelen. Despite his calm display, Dender remain rooted to the bottom of the Belgian Pro League, without a win in eleven games.
In Italy, Ademola Lookman led Atalanta’s attack in a goalless draw against Lazio at the New Balance Arena. The forward was dangerous throughout but could not break through Lazio’s strong defence. He had two shots, one on target, and narrowly missed scoring with a close-range header. Goalkeeper Ivan Provedel’s heroics denied Lookman and his teammates several times, frustrating Atalanta’s dominance.
Elsewhere in Kazakhstan, Geoffrey Chinedu delivered one of the weekend’s few bright moments for Nigerians abroad. The striker netted a stunning hat-trick in Astana’s 5–3 victory over Aktobe. His goals in the 10th, 34th, and 50th minutes earned him the Man of the Match award and brought his season tally to eight in 24 games.
In Spain, Edna Imade continued her fine form for Real Sociedad, scoring twice in a 3–0 win over Eibar in the Liga F. Her brace took her total to six goals in six matches, extending her scoring run to five consecutive games. Despite her remarkable performances, Imade’s omission from Nigeria’s WAFCON qualifier squad remains a surprise.
Across the Atlantic in the United States, Victor Olatunji fired Real Salt Lake into the playoffs with a brace in a 2–2 draw against St. Louis City. The 26-year-old now has four goals and one assist in eight matches since joining for $2 million in August. His chemistry with compatriot William Agada has been vital to Salt Lake’s recent form.
Also in the MLS, midfielder Alhassan Yusuf marked his comeback from injury in style, scoring and providing an assist in New England Revolution’s 2–2 draw with Chicago Fire. Yusuf’s goal came just 44 seconds into the match — the fastest of his club’s season — and he later set up Carles Gil to double the lead.
Saturday’s fixtures saw Alex Iwobi reach a career milestone as he became Nigeria’s all-time Premier League appearance leader with 299 games, surpassing Shola Ameobi’s record. Despite Fulham’s 1–0 loss to Arsenal, Iwobi impressed with four key chances created and 89 per cent pass accuracy.
Taiwo Awoniyi made his return from injury for Nottingham Forest against Chelsea, showing glimpses of his sharpness despite not scoring. In Turkey, Victor Osimhen featured for 16 minutes in Galatasaray’s 2–1 victory over Başakşehir, hitting the post once as he continues recovery from a minor knock.
Paul Onuachu continued his fine form with another goal as Trabzonspor beat Rizespor 2–0 in the Turkish Super Lig, making it four goals in four consecutive games. In Czech Republic, Rafiu Durosinmi scored the winner for Viktoria Plzen against Bohemians Praha, extending his scoring streak to three matches.
In Mexico, Lawal Taiwo ended her ten-game goal drought, while Vivian Ikechukwu provided an assist as Santos Laguna beat Mazatlán 2–1. Taiwo’s early equaliser and Ikechukwu’s setup for Sandra Nabweteme lifted their team to 15th place.
For most Nigerian players abroad, it was a weekend of struggles, but a few — like Chinedu, Imade, and Onuachu — offered fans something to cheer about.
