The March international break saw Nigeria’s Super Eagles endure a mixed set of results in their World Cup qualifiers, securing a hard-fought win over Rwanda before being held to a frustrating draw at home by Zimbabwe. With the break behind them, Nigerian stars returned to club football, delivering standout performances across Europe and beyond.
Here are the top ten Nigerian performers from the weekend’s action.
- Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre) – Defensive Wall
Nigeria and Auxerre defender Gabriel Osho demonstrated what the Super Eagles missed with a commanding display in Auxerre’s 1-0 triumph over Montpellier. The defender was impenetrable, winning all of his ground duels, making four tackles, and completing an impressive 96% of his passes.
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough) – First League Goal Since October 2023
Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho opened his account for Middlesbrough, helping them come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over Oxford United in the Championship. The 28-year-old’s goal was his first in the league since October 2023, ending a barren spell stretching back to his time at Leicester City.
- Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) – Last-Minute Heroics
Cyriel Dessers was Rangers’ match-winner in a pulsating 4-3 comeback victory over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership. Trailing 2-0 and then 3-1, Rangers launched a stunning late rally, with Dessers completing the turnaround in the dying moments.
- Lucky Opara (Spokane Velocity) – Two Assists in USL League One
In the United States, Lucky Opara provided two assists in Spokane Velocity’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Greenville Triumph. The Nigerian midfielder was instrumental, setting up both of Luis Miguel Gil’s first-half goals in a dominant display.
- Moses Simon (Nantes) – A Personal Best Season for the Nigerian Winger
Fresh off his international duties, Moses Simon netted in Nantes’ 3-2 defeat to Le Havre, taking his Ligue 1 tally to seven goals and eight assists. No Nantes player has been more productive this season, and Simon’s contributions have now surpassed his best-ever campaign in France.
- Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk) – Title Push Continues
After making his Nigeria debut during the international break, Tolu Arokodare returned to club football in style, scoring in Genk’s 4-0 win over Gent. Arokodare won a penalty, had a goal ruled out by VAR, and missed a spot-kick before eventually doubling Genk’s lead.
- Orji Okwonkwo (Cittadella) – Goal and Assist in Serie B Thriller
Former Golden Eaglets star Orji Okwonkwo delivered a man-of-the-match performance, registering a goal and an assist in Cittadella’s 2-2 draw against Cremonese.
- Rinsola Babajide (UD Tenerife) – Leading Tenerife’s Attack
With Gift Monday leaving for the United States, Rinsola Babajide has stepped up as Tenerife’s main attacking threat. The former Liverpool forward shone in a 4-1 victory over Espanyol, scoring once and assisting another.
- Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar) – Russian League Star
Olakunle Olusegun stole the headlines as Krasnodar cruised to a 5-0 win over Fakel in the Russian Premier League. The 22-year-old forward netted twice in five minutes to round off an emphatic victory.
- Rafiu Durosinmi (Viktoria Plzen) – A Perfect Attacking Display Against Sparta Prague
Rafiu Durosinmi produced a masterclass in Viktoria Plzen’s stunning 4-2 away victory at title-chasing Sparta Prague. The 22-year-old striker, linked with Lazio, scored twice and provided an assist as Plzen moved up to third place in the Czech league standings.
Against all odds, Nigerian players continue to shine in Club football. Expectations are high on whether they would translate their prolific forms in club football to national team in projection and defence of national interest.
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