Nigerian Players Watch: Osimhen, Orban, Onyedika shine as Nigerian stars deliver goals across Europe

Nigerian footballers loved a busy weekend across Europe, with a number of Super Eagles stars making decisive contributions for his or her golf equipment in home competitions.

Victor Osimhen and Gift Orban led the cost in Turkey, each discovering the web. Orban additionally registered an help in Amedspor’s emphatic victory over Eyüpspor, whereas Osimhen marked the beginning of his second daughter with one other aim for Galatasaray.

In Germany, Raphael Onyedika and Terem Moffi have been each on course as Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Hamburger SV. Tolu Arokodare continued his scoring kind within the Netherlands, whereas Taiwo Awoniyi opened his Premier League account for the season in Coventry City’s victory over Sunderland.

There have been additionally vital contributions from Friday Etim, Samuel Adeniran, Umar Sadiq and Josh Maja, whereas Kelechi Iheanacho noticed his exceptional run of scoring in 12 consecutive league matches come to an finish.

TURKEY
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)

Osimhen had one other memorable outing for Galatasaray, scoring of their commanding 4-0 away victory over Konyaspor within the Turkish Süper Lig.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring within the twelfth minute with a robust header from a free-kick, setting Galatasaray on their solution to an emphatic win.

The aim carried further significance for the 27-year-old, who had welcomed his second daughter, Liora Audrey, along with his associate, Stefanie Kim Ladewig, shortly earlier than the fixture. Osimhen had remained in Istanbul for the beginning earlier than travelling to Konya on matchday.

He was withdrawn after an hour, having taken his league tally to 9 goals, alongside three assists in eight appearances. He has now scored 4 occasions in his final three matches.

Gift Orban (Amedspor)

Orban was arguably one of many standout Nigerian performers of the weekend, combining a aim with an help as Amedspor thrashed Eyüpspor 5-1.

The ahead discovered the web within the thirty fifth minute, ending emphatically after being arrange by Rayan Lutin. He then turned supplier seven minutes later, supplying Samuel Ballet for Amedspor’s third aim of the afternoon.

Orban was substituted within the 78th minute, with Mohamed Khalil taking his place. The 24-year-old, who’s on mortgage from Hoffenheim, has now scored 9 league goals and registered 4 assists this season.

His newest contribution additionally locations him stage with Osimhen on the prime of the Süper Lig scoring chart.

Paul Onuachu and Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor)

Trabzonspor prolonged their successful run to 5 consecutive league matches with a 2-0 victory over Gaziantep FK, with each Nigerian gamers concerned.

Nwaiwu delivered one other full shift in defence, serving to his facet safe a clear sheet. The 23-year-old has now featured in each one in every of Trabzonspor’s league matches this season, underlining his rising significance to the group.

Onuachu, in the meantime, returned to the beginning line-up after lacking three matches with a muscle harm sustained in the course of the Conference League victory over KuPS on fifteenth October.

The striker was unable to get on the scoresheet and was changed by Umut Nayir within the 63rd minute. His return was however encouraging for Trabzonspor, with coach Thomas Reis beforehand expressing uncertainty over whether or not the Nigerian may handle the total 90 minutes.

Onuachu has scored twice this season, each goals coming in opposition to Gençlerbirliği in September.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Bursaspor)

Iheanacho’s exceptional scoring streak lastly got here to an finish as Bursaspor defeated Bandırmaspor 3-0 within the Turkish 1. Lig.

The former Leicester City ahead performed the whole match however couldn’t discover the web, bringing an finish to his run of scoring in 12 consecutive league appearances.

Halil Akbunar opened the scoring within the seventh minute earlier than Lewis Baker struck twice within the twelfth and twenty third minutes to place Bursaspor firmly in management.

Iheanacho’s Nigerian compatriot, Olanrewaju Kehinde, began for Bandırmaspor however was booked within the second minute and substituted within the 59th minute.

Despite failing to increase his scoring run, Iheanacho stays the championship’s main scorer with 16 goals and three assists. Bursaspor sit prime of the desk with 31 factors.

Victor Osimhen and Orban’s compatriots weren’t the one Nigerians in motion in Turkey. Chidozie Awaziem performed the total match for Konyaspor of their defeat to Galatasaray.

GERMANY
Raphael Onyedika (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Onyedika marked an vital milestone by scoring his first aim for Eintracht Frankfurt since becoming a member of the Bundesliga facet from Club Brugge in the summertime.

The midfielder struck within the forty seventh minute as Frankfurt defeated Hamburger SV 3-1, restoring his facet’s benefit after Terem Moffi had equalised for the guests.

Frankfurt had taken the lead within the tenth minute when Warmed Omari inadvertently turned the ball into his personal internet. Moffi responded 4 minutes later, ending from shut vary after Albert Grønbæk picked him out.

Onyedika then reacted quickest after goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes parried Lilian Brassier’s header from a nook, firing Frankfurt again in entrance. Younes Ebnoutalib added the third within the 69th minute to seal the victory.

Terem Moffi (Hamburger SV)

Moffi continued his encouraging begin at Hamburg with one other aim in opposition to his former Club Brugge teammate’s new facet.

The striker was alert to Albert Grønbæk’s cross within the 14th minute, ending from shut vary to deliver Hamburg stage after Omari’s personal aim.

Although his effort was not sufficient to forestall defeat, it was one other optimistic contribution from the Nigerian ahead, who had additionally scored a late comfort when Hamburg misplaced 3-1 to Frankfurt within the DFB-Pokal on 27 October.

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Boniface was launched within the 83rd minute however couldn’t assist Bayer Leverkusen keep away from a 4-2 house defeat to Stuttgart.

Ermedin Demirović scored twice for the guests, whereas Jamie Leweling and Bilal El Khannouss additionally discovered the web. Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza scored for Leverkusen.

The defeat was Leverkusen’s first house loss within the Bundesliga this season, leaving them with 13 factors from eight matches. Nathan Tella missed the encounter due to a health challenge.

NETHERLANDS
Tolu Arokodare (Ajax)

Arokodare continued his spectacular scoring run, netting the one aim as Ajax secured a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar.

The Nigerian striker rose above Mees de Wit within the ninth minute to move house Abdellah Ouazane’s supply, giving Ajax an early benefit that they managed to guard till the ultimate whistle.

Ajax needed to face up to strain from their guests, significantly late within the sport, when goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen produced an vital save to disclaim Mexx Meerdink.

The victory ended Ajax’s lengthy winless run in opposition to AZ and lifted them to second place, one level behind league leaders Feyenoord. Arokodare has now scored in three consecutive matches.

ENGLAND
Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City)

Awoniyi ended his aim drought within the Premier League by scoring in Coventry City’s 3-1 victory over Sunderland on the Coventry Building Society Arena.

The Nigerian striker doubled Coventry’s benefit within the thirty seventh minute after dispossessing Luke O’Nien earlier than beating goalkeeper Robin Roefs with a composed end.

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto had opened the scoring within the seventeenth minute, whereas Jack Rudoni prolonged the lead shortly after half-time. Enzo Le Fée transformed a penalty within the 67th minute to drag one again for Sunderland, earlier than Omar Alderete was despatched off within the 99th minute.

Awoniyi was substituted within the 72nd minute after making a big contribution to the victory. It was his first Premier League aim of the marketing campaign, having beforehand scored as soon as within the EFL Cup.

Frank Onyeka was not included in Coventry’s matchday squad.

Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey (Fulham)

Iwobi and Bassey each began as Fulham fought again to earn a 1-1 draw away to Aston Villa.

Villa had a chance to take an early lead when John McGinn struck the woodwork from the penalty spot within the fifteenth minute. Nicolas Jackson ultimately put the hosts forward earlier than half-time.

Fulham restored parity within the sixty fourth minute when Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki turned the ball into his personal internet following an attacking supply from the guests.

Iwobi was changed by Tom Cairney within the seventy fifth minute, whereas Bassey accomplished the total match. Both Nigerians recorded their ninth league appearances of the season.

Semi Ajayi (Hull City)

Ajayi performed the total 90 minutes as Hull City shared the factors in a 2-2 draw in opposition to Ipswich Town.

Hull trailed at half-time however fought again with two goals after the break to take the lead. Julio Enciso ultimately rescued a degree for Ipswich with a long-range effort.

The Nigerian defender produced a busy efficiency, recording six clearances, two tackles and one interception. He was additionally booked within the 88th minute.

The consequence prolonged Hull’s winless run within the league to seven matches.

Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)

Aina began for Nottingham Forest however was withdrawn at half-time as they suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Brentford.

Forest fell behind within the thirtieth minute when Nikola Milenković turned Dango Ouattara’s cross into his personal internet. Igor Thiago doubled Brentford’s benefit within the 76th minute after one other effort took a deflection off Milenković.

Aina made approach for Daniel Muñoz on the interval, whereas Ryan Yates was additionally launched for Xaver Schlager.

The full-back has featured in solely one in every of Forest’s final three league matches. Forest have six factors from 9 video games and face Manchester City of their subsequent fixture.

SPAIN
Umar Sadiq (Valencia)

Sadiq made a formidable return from harm, scoring the decisive aim as Valencia defeated Elche 1-0 away from house.

The Nigerian striker got here off the bench within the sixtieth minute and located the web eight minutes later to safe all three factors for Valencia.

It was a well timed contribution from the ahead, who had been sidelined for seven weeks. His return and match-winning aim will likely be an encouraging growth for Valencia as they appear to construct momentum in La Liga.

Ademola Lookman (Atlético Madrid)

Lookman made a late look as Atlético Madrid continued their sturdy league kind with a 2-0 away victory over Alavés.

The Nigerian worldwide got here off the bench and featured for roughly quarter-hour as Atlético prolonged their unbeaten run.

Lookman has discovered goals more durable to come back by within the league this season, however his involvement provides him one other alternative to construct rhythm as Atlético put together for his or her subsequent fixtures.

ITALY
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio)

Dele-Bashiru got here off the bench within the fifty fifth minute as Lazio recovered from behind to defeat Cagliari 2-1.

M’Bala Nzola put Cagliari forward within the twenty first minute earlier than Gustav Isaksen equalised for Lazio quarter-hour later.

The Nigerian midfielder was concerned in an attraction for a penalty across the hour mark after contact with Cagliari defender Rodríguez, however referee Andrea Colombo waved play on.

Lazio ultimately secured the victory by Andrea Pinamonti’s 83rd-minute header.

FRANCE
Josh Maja (Le Havre)

Maja was among the many goals once more, however his early strike couldn’t forestall Le Havre from struggling a heavy 5-1 defeat in opposition to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Nigerian ahead gave Le Havre the lead within the 18th minute, ending from shut vary after a supply from Rayan Fofana.

PSG responded emphatically, with Achraf Hakimi scoring a hat-trick whereas Mika Godts and Senny Mayulu additionally discovered the web.

The aim was Maja’s fourth in Ligue 1 this season and his third in two appearances, following his brace within the 4-3 defeat in opposition to Marseille 5 days earlier.

Despite the disappointing consequence, Maja took encouragement from his facet’s begin to the competition, admitting afterwards that the group have been disillusioned however would attempt to take positives from the expertise.

DENMARK
Friday Etim (FC Midtjylland)

Etim performed a component in Midtjylland’s exceptional comeback from two goals all the way down to defeat Nordsjælland 3-2 away from house.

The hosts had taken a two-goal lead by Justin Janssen and Ibrahim Adel earlier than Midtjylland started their response after the break.

Etim’s effort struck the submit earlier than rebounding into the web off goalkeeper Tobias Salquist for an personal aim within the 66th minute. Kjell Wätjen drew Midtjylland stage within the 74th minute, earlier than Sofus Johannesen accomplished the comeback with a stoppage-time winner.

Etim was substituted within the 86th minute for Mikael Uhre. The victory was Midtjylland’s first in Farum in additional than six years and stored them unbeaten after 13 league matches.

AUSTRIA
Samuel Adeniran and Moses Usor (LASK)

Adeniran provided an vital help as LASK got here from behind to defeat WSG Tirol 2-1.

Moritz Wels gave the guests the lead within the sixteenth minute, however Alessandro Schöpf restored parity seven minutes later.

Adeniran then produced the decisive contribution shortly after the restart, driving down the flank earlier than delivering the ball across the world for Robert Ljubičić to complete within the forty eighth minute.

Usor entered the sport within the 68th minute as LASK held on for a worthwhile victory following their defeat to Red Bull Salzburg the earlier week.

GREECE
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos)

Dessers began for Panathinaikos as they secured a 2-0 victory over AEK Athens within the Greek Super League.

Tetteh gave the hosts an early lead shortly after kick-off, whereas Andino doubled their benefit early within the second half.

The Nigerian striker was changed by Vicente Taborda within the 57th minute as Panathinaikos accomplished an vital victory within the ninth spherical of the league season.

SCOTLAND
Emmanuel Fernandez (Rangers)

Fernandez began in defence as Rangers defeated Aberdeen 1-0 at Hampden Park to ebook their place within the Premier Sports Cup closing.

Ryan Naderi scored the decisive aim with 9 minutes remaining, changing James Penrice’s supply to ship Rangers by.

Fernandez was substituted within the 87th minute, with Rangers now set to face the winners of the Edinburgh derby in subsequent month’s closing.

BELGIUM
Rafiu Durosinmi (Genk)

Durosinmi performed the total match however couldn’t forestall Genk from struggling a slim 1-0 defeat away to Mechelen within the Belgian Pro League.

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Simion Michez scored the one aim early within the contest, and Genk have been unable to discover a response regardless of making attacking adjustments within the second half.

The weekend’s largest Nigerian tales

Osimhen and Orban have been the headline performers in Turkey, with each forwards reaching 9 league goals. Onyedika and Moffi additionally shared the highlight in Germany, whereas Arokodare and Awoniyi delivered vital goals for Ajax and Coventry respectively.

Maja continued his productive spell in France regardless of Le Havre’s heavy defeat, whereas Sadiq made probably the most of his return from harm by scoring Valencia’s winner.

For Iheanacho, nevertheless, the weekend introduced an finish to a exceptional private run. His 12-match scoring streak might have stopped, however his 16 league goals and three assists stay a serious return as Bursaspor proceed their push on the prime of the Turkish second tier.