A number of Nigerian footballers have made significant contributions to their teams in various leagues across Turkey and Europe. In the Turkish women’s topflight, Chioma Olise opened her account for Trabzonspor in their 4-0 win over ALG Spor. The former Edo Queens player came on as a second-half substitute and scored the opening goal in the 52nd minute, igniting Trabzonspor’s attack and sending the home fans into jubilation.
Olise’s goal was followed by two more from Diana Lucas Msewa in the 61st and 65th minutes, and Azra Ardos completed the rout in the 76th minute. This win is a significant boost to Trabzonspor’s league standings, and Olise’s contribution will undoubtedly be crucial in the team’s bid for success.
In another match, David Okereke bagged his third assist of the season and powered Gaziantep to their 12th win of the season in their 2-1 win over Hatayaspor. The Nigerian forward set up Halil Dervisoglu for the match-winner in the 59th minute, showcasing his exceptional skills and vision on the field.
Meanwhile, Bright Osayi-Samuel was booked for elbowing an opponent in Fenerbahce’s 3-1 win over 10-man Sivasspor. Despite the caution, Osayi-Samuel completed 90 minutes, helping Jose Mourinho’s side keep the pressure on league leaders Galatasaray. This win is a significant step for Fenerbahce in their bid for the league title.
On the other hand, Ibrahim Olawoyin and David Akintola were unable to salvage anything for Caykur Rizespor as they were beaten 2-0 by Tranzonspor. Olawoyin played the full 90 minutes, while Akintola played for 67 minutes. The loss sees Rizespor edging closer to the relegation zone, and they will need to regroup and strategize to avoid relegation.
In Italy, Ademola Lookman’s goal drought continued as Atalanta returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Bologna. The Nigerian forward has not scored in his last four games for the club, and he will be looking to break his duck soon.
In the Rome Derby, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru kept his place in the starting lineup as Lazio faced Roma. He has three goals and one assist in 18 games this season, and his contribution will be crucial in Lazio’s bid for success.
In Belgium, Jordan Torunarigha was instrumental in Gent’s 1-0 away win over Antwerp, playing the full 90 minutes. The win is a significant boost to Gent’s league title chase, and Torunarigha’s performance will undoubtedly be crucial in the team’s bid for success.
Other Nigerian players who made significant contributions to their teams include Raphael Onyedika, who played 86 minutes for Club Brugge in their 1-0 win over Genk, and Cyriel Dessers, who came on as a second-half substitute and played 15 minutes for Rangers in their 2-2 draw against Aberdeen.
In Spain, Rasheedat Ajibade returned to the bench and didn’t get a minute in Atletico Women’s 6-0 drubbing against Barcelona Women. Despite making a bright start to the league, Ajibade has had a quiet campaign due to injuries, with six goals and two assists in 17 games.
Edna Imade, who is among the top scorers in the Spanish Women’s topflight with 13 goals so far, was silenced on Sunday despite Granada’s 2-1 win at Tenerife. Rinsola Babajide, who scored a goal and assist before the international break, couldn’t help Tenerife from falling to a 2-1 defeat against Granada.
Overall, Nigerian footballers have made significant contributions to their teams in various leagues across Turkey and Europe, showcasing their exceptional skills and talent.