Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring for Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig
It was another mixed weekend for Nigerian stars abroad as Victor Osimhen kept flying the flag high, while a long-forgotten name returned to the headlines — but others, including Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface, continue to struggle in front of goal.
After his Champions League heroics, Osimhen proved once again that he’s back to his best. The 26-year-old striker bagged the all-important equaliser in Galatasaray’s 3-1 comeback win over Goztepe, marking his third goal in two matches and his sixth of the season in all competitions.
While Paul Onuachu couldn’t add to his tally of seven goals for Trabzonspor, Osimhen’s consistency is a major boost for both club and country as Nigeria prepares for upcoming international fixtures.
It’s been a while since fans heard from Gift Orban, but the forgotten forward made a strong statement in Italy. The Hellas Verona striker scored his second goal of the season, giving his team a 2-1 lead against Cagliari before the visitors snatched a late equaliser.
The 22-year-old’s resurgence could be timely as competition for Super Eagles attacking spots heats up ahead of international duty.
While Osimhen and Orban were on target, things didn’t go as planned for Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface.
Lookman played the full 90 minutes in Atalanta’s 1-1 draw at Cremonese, but once again failed to find the net — extending his dry spell to six league appearances this season.
Meanwhile, Boniface’s struggles continued in Germany as Werder Bremen failed to get him firing. Both players will be hoping to rediscover their scoring touch soon, especially with the AFCON qualifiers on the horizon.
In France, Moses Simon had a frustrating night as Paris FC lost to his former club Nantes, while compatriot Chidozie Awaziem shone for the visitors — completing 90% of his passes, winning 7 aerial duels, and making 17 clearances in a rock-solid display.
Over in England, it was heartbreak for Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey as Fulham fell 2-1 to Newcastle United, with Bassey’s error leading to a crucial goal. Chrisantus Uche came on late for Crystal Palace in their loss to Arsenal, and Tolu Arokodare had just six minutes in Genk’s 3-2 defeat.
From Osimhen’s brilliance to Orban’s revival, Nigerian footballers continue to make waves across Europe. While some face tough spells, the resilience and talent of the Super Eagles abroad remain a source of pride for fans back home.
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